Departing George Ford named in Leicester Tigers team for London Welsh clash

Departing fly-half George Ford has been included in the Leicester Tigers side for the return of the Aviva Premiership tomorrow.

The 19-year-old, who will be leaving the club in the summer, is preferred to Dan Bowden for the No.10 shirt for tomorrow's clash with London Welsh at Welford Road (3.0).

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill had hinted that the teenager, thought to be on the verge of a move to rivals Bath,  was in the frame for a return.

He said earlier this week: "George is now back after the England Saxons game and we will have to see what is best for the team.

"If George is the best man for the No.10 shirt, then we will go with that."

Bowden had played at fly-half in the LV= Cup games against Llanelli Scarlets and Wasps.

Cockerill said: "Dan has come in at fly-half and done well there. He is not a front-line goal-kicker and that is a concern."

Tom Croft and Julian Salvi, who have both suffered recent injuries, are named in the formidable pack, with Marcos Ayerza and Logovi'i Mulipola joined by Rob Hawkins in the front-row.

Matt Smith will also make Leicester Tigers history when he runs out for his 100th starting appearance for the club tomorrow.

The 27-year-old will follow his dad Ian in making 100 starts for the club, becoming the first father-and-son combination to achieve this feat in the club's 133-year history.

Ian Smith went on to 331 appearances for the club as a back-rower between 1977 and 1991, including five cup finals, while Matt made his debut in March 2006.

Anthony Allen, Niall Morris and Adam Thompstone return to the Tigers backline, with Sam Harrison and George Ford linking up at half-back.

 Tickets for today's match are still available now from the Tigers ticket office.

Spectators can phone 0844 856 1880, or call in at Welford Road, which is open until 5pm Friday and from 9am on Saturday), or people can book online  and collect their tickets at the ground on match day.

15 Mathew Tait

14 Niall Morris

13 Matt Smith

12 Anthony Allen

11 Adam Thompstone

10 George Ford

9 Sam Harrison

1 Marcos Ayerza

2 Rob Hawkins

3 Logovi'i Mulipola

4 Louis Deacon (c)

5 Graham Kitchener

6 Tom Croft

7 Julian Salvi

8 Jordan Crane

Replacements

16 George Chuter

17 Boris Stankovich

18 Fraser Balmain

19 Ed Slater

20 Brett Deacon

21 Micky Young

22 Dan Bowden

23 Geordan Murphy