Leicester want to play Crusaders

European champions Leicester Tigers are looking to measure themselves against Super 12 champions, New Zealand’s Cantebury Crusaders

Leicester, which won its second consecutive European championship last weekend while Canterbury’s triumph over the ACT denied the Brumbies back to back Super 12 titles, tried unsuccessfully to organise a date with the Australians last year.

While Leicester and the ACT were both keen on a global play-off, it was difficult to fit a date which suited both team’s fixtures. Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler, however, was certain that once the first game was organised, it would become a regular fixture.

“With any new competition, it’s difficult to get the first one going. But you know it’ll pick up hugely once it’s started. I’ll talk to Canterbury and assure them of our enthusiasm for the project.”