1 November 2005
Former England and Lions star Austin Healey will captain Leicester Tigers in Friday's Guinness Premiership clash against Worcester Warriors at Sixways (kick-off 8pm). Healey - who has played for club and country at scrum-half, fly-half, wing and full back - will wear the No.9 shirt on Friday evening.

Healey replaces England squad member Harry Ellis at scrum-half in one of 11 changes to the Tigers starting line-up that suffered a gut-wrenching 6-12 Heineken Cup loss to Stade Français last Saturday. His promotion to the starting XV is one of five changes to the backline, with international call-ups causing havoc out wide and also up front.

Ireland's Geordan Murphy and England's Ellis, Andy Goode and Ollie Smith are all currently attending international training, with Sam Vesty (full back), Healey (scrum-half), Ross Broadfoot (fly-half) and Leon Lloyd (outside centre), respectively, replacing the quartet this Friday. In the final change to Tigers' backline, inside centre Dan Hipkiss replaces Daryl Gibson, who suffered a heavy knock against Stade.

"We've picked a side that was able to train together today (Tuesday), with the exception of Tom Varndell, who trained with us yesterday, before joining up with the England Sevens squad this morning," said head coach Pat Howard to www.leicestertigers.com. "These guys have been here and they give us some cohesion ahead of Friday. We'll find out who gets released later in the week and they will sit on the bench if their minds and bodies are up to it."

And on jack-of-all-trades Healey's selection as captain, Howard added: "It wasn't an easy choice, but he's been in pretty good form this season. I know some people have asked why he's not getting picked ahead of Harry, but look, he's playing well and he's leading well, his attitude has been great this season, both on and off the field. It's a great challenge for him, and also a great compliment; it's an important position, No.9, and he can lead very well from there."

In changes up front, meanwhile, Michael Holford returns at loosehead prop, with Alex Moreno - on his return to his former club - shifting across to tighthead prop; Welshman Darren Morris having picked up a minor calf muscle injury at the weekend.

The impressive 6'8" frame of James Hamilton continues in the second row, where he will be partnered by World Cup winner Ben Kay (Leo Cullen is on Ireland duty, along with full back Murphy), whilst there is all-change in the back row: Brett Deacon, Will Skinner and Will Johnson replacing Lewis Moody, Shane Jennings and Martin Corry respectively.

Flanker Moody and captain courageous Corry are on England duty, along with second row Louis Deacon, whilst all-action openside flanker Jennings misses out after picking up an ankle injury against Stade Français. Howard has not confirmed his bench yet, but expects to do so on the morning of the game.

"Tom Croft and Neil Cole will both definitely be on the bench for the first time, but the rest of the bench will come down to injuries and international selection," said Howard. "We're waiting on Darren Morris' calf and Louis Deacon, who is with the England squad. Will Goodey and Ollie be selected for England? There are quite a few ifs and buts at the moment ... we just don't know at the moment."

Second row Croft, who is just 19 years old, has been in superb form for Tigers' development team in the Guinness A League, whilst scrum-half Cole, who played for Worcester in the Premiership last season, has acquitted himself well since joining the club last month as short-term cover for injured No.9 Scott Bemand.

Said Howard: "Tom's an athletic forward and he's been a consistent performer in the second team this season. He's still very young, he only turns 20 next Monday; he may or may not play, but he'll be getting good first team experience and it's all part of utilising our squad. Neil was brought in for Scott and has performed very well for the second team. He deserves an opportunity; he's got experience, he's a good player and, as a bonus, he also knows Worcester very well from having played there last season."

Leicester Tigers team to face Worcester Warriors:

15 Sam Vesty
14 Alesana Tuilagi
13 Leon Lloyd
12 Dan Hipkiss
11 Tom Varndell
10 Ross Broadfoot
9 Austin Healey (captain)
1 Michael Holford
2 George Chuter
3 Alex Moreno
4 James Hamilton
5 Ben Kay
6 Brett Deacon
7 Will Skinner
8 Will Johnson

Replacements:
TBC