Leicester Tigers Academy Coach Highlights Cup’s Role in Fostering Young Players’ Winning Habits

Matt Smith, Leicester Tigers’ academy coach, who played for the club for 13 years between 2006 and 2019, believes the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign presents a valuable opportunity for younger players to cultivate a “winning habit”. The Tigers have commenced the 2024-25 Premiership season with strong form, currently occupying second place in the league after securing five victories from their initial six league matches. The team is scheduled to rotate its squad for Friday’s inaugural cup fixture against rivals Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens. “There will be some senior players playing on Friday and some guys that haven’t had as much game time and some guys that need game time,” Smith informed BBC Radio Leicester. Despite finishing last season in a disappointing eighth position, the Tigers have exhibited enhanced resilience this term under new head coach Michael Cheika, maintaining a 100% record in away matches from Welford Road. Smith further commented, “I think what I’ve noticed from the group currently is whatever you want to call it: fight, grit, determination, their willingness to stay in the battle, that is what has probably got us through.” He continued, “I’m sure Cheik [Michael Cheika] would say we’re nowhere near the finished article- there’s only been six games – but I think the basis and the foundation of what he’s brought quite quickly is again going back to traditionally what Leicester’s built on.” Smith elaborated, “When the club’s been most successful, the club has always had a strong character, leader and boss. Leicester needs that because of the size of the club.” A four-time Premiership winner during his playing career at Leicester, Smith has been instrumental in instilling a winning mentality in his capacity as lead academy and transitions coach. “We talk about getting certain habits into these younger players – winning is a habit,” he stated. He added, “If we can go to Northampton and win on Friday, that’s the habit.” Smith concluded, “We want to be winners, what is Leicester built on? We’re built on winning trophies. That’s just the way it is – Leicester has always been built on winning trophies and this is another great opportunity for a slightly different group of players to win a trophy.”