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The Tigers new team skipper Ollie Chessum has been given the green light to resume playing to domestic action against Harlequins on Saturday. Although the majority of British & Irish Lions squad members are barred from returning to domestic rugby until next week, the lock has obtained special dispensation.

Chessum, who was injured for much of last season, only started 16 games and appeared from the replacements four times. Even though participating in every Lions Test match facing the Australian side, the player management load group overseeing the condition of top players has authorized him to compete against Harlequins at Leicester's stadium on Saturday.

Divergent Circumstances for Tour Colleagues

Harlequins, on the other hand, will be missing Chessum’s Lions teammate Marcus Smith, who must wait another week prior to his return. In contrast to Owen Farrell, who also missed time for a large part of the prior campaign and returned for Saracens’ opening Prem game, Smith was involved in 34 matches last season, comprising five Lions tour fixtures and needs to complete a compulsory rest period.

Drive from Past Defeat

Chessum, on the other hand, is keen to begin and show that the Tigers can thrive during the upcoming term despite the departure of the head coach and several experienced squad members. Leicester featured in the domestic championship decider at the end of last season, but Chessum states their thumping 80-12 European Cup loss by the French side is the fixture that has provided their most enduring motivation. “It created a feeling of ‘We are never going to that place again’. Regardless of how we prepare, no matter how we are guided, no matter game plans, we are not returning.”

“It is the worst defeat in the franchise's past and to say you were part of that is humiliating really. So, it hurts. You will forever remember and just guarantee you avoid experiencing a score like that again.”

He stated, “I recall Cheik was visibly upset in the changing room. The explanation we were in the championship match earlier was as a result of what happened after that fixture in Toulouse. There was a real change in every player.”

Fitness Updates from Rival Clubs

Bristol Bears, at the same time, have disclosed they have are missing first choice number ten AJ McGinty for the season after he picked up a knock in their opening win over Leicester. McGinty has gone under the knife on his Achilles tendon on the very day that his half-back partner Harry Randall had to go for an operation on his hamstring. Randall will be back in the early next year, while the return date for winger Gabriel Itoye, who similarly damaged his hamstring in the same match and needs surgery, is still to be confirmed.

Bath, in their case, have retained Max Ojomoh at fly-half for their fixture at home facing Sale Sharks on Friday. Sale, who recorded a winning start to the term in the opening round, have made several necessary alterations to their first team, with Hyron Andrews and Sam Bedlow taking over from the sidelined the absent duo respectively.