Leicester Tigers extended their unbeaten run in the Prem Rugby Cup with a commanding 34-22 victory over fierce rivals Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on November 21, 2025. Argentina international Joaquin Moro starred for the home side, scoring two crucial first-half tries that set the tone for the Tigers’ fourth consecutive win in Pool B.

Moro’s Early Brilliance Sets the Tone

Moro opened the scoring inside the first two minutes after Northampton mishandled a high ball, demonstrating his powerful ball-carrying ability and sharp game awareness. The number eight added a second try at the end of the first half, giving Leicester a 19-15 lead at halftime despite a spirited response from the Saints.

South African giant JJ van der Mescht had kept Northampton competitive in the first half, crossing twice in five minutes. However, slippery conditions and handling errors prevented the Saints from establishing sustained pressure.

Furbank Returns but Cannot Stop Tigers

A key positive for Northampton was the return of George Furbank, who completed his first full 80 minutes in nearly a year. The 29-year-old stand-off, recently extended in England’s elite player squad, impressed with his tactical kicking, including a precise first-half drop goal, reminiscent of George Ford’s style.

Despite Furbank’s strong performance, he could not halt the Tigers’ momentum. Seven minutes from full-time, George Hendy left the field dazed following a collision with Moro, compounding Northampton’s challenges.

Tigers Dominate the Second Half

Leicester’s dominance became clear in the second half. Scrum-half Tom Whiteley crossed for a try before halftime, taking advantage of a powerful Tigers scrum led by former Saints tight-head Tarek Haffar.

The home side extended their lead with a fourth try just before the hour mark after a breakout from their own 22, initiated by fly-half Billy Searle and finished by wing Will Wand. Ollie Allan added a late try in the 77th minute, rendering Oliver Scola’s late consolation effort for the Saints meaningless.

Full Match Highlights

• Leicester Tigers (34): Tries – Moro (2), Whiteley, Wand, Allan; Pen – Searle; Cons – Searle (3)
• Northampton Saints (22): Tries – Van der Mescht (2), Scola; Cons – Furbank; Drop goal – Furbank
• Referee: Hamish Smales

Team Line-Ups

Leicester Tigers: Bailey; Crowley, Wand, Woodward, Mercer; Searle, Whiteley; Haffar, Clare, Loman, Henderson, Thompson, Palmer, Reffell, Moro. Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, van der Flier, Kofe, Wells, T Manz, J Manz, Allan, Titcombe.

Northampton Saints: Hendy; Sleightholme, Litchfield, Thame, Caqusau; Furbank, Weimann; West, Wright, Green, Munga, van der Mescht, Kemeny, Brown, Graham. Replacements: Smith, Scola, Kundiona, Prowse, Chick, Pugh, Lumley, Pater.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Leicester Tigers maintain their perfect start in Pool B and remain clear contenders for the knockout stages. Joaquin Moro’s performance, combined with a dominant pack and accurate kicking from Searle, highlights the Tigers’ strength and depth, while Northampton will look to regroup for their upcoming fixtures.