Our Story
Learn About The Sabretooths
Our Mission & Purpose
Our mission is to unite all generations of former Leicester Tigers players around the Droglites’ (an anagram of ‘Old Tigers’) spirit of camaraderie. We aim to create a support network and benevolent fund for past players in need.
By fostering a close-knit community, we ensure that every member feels valued and connected, both on and off the field.
Through this unity and support, we continue to uphold the legacy and strength of the Tigers family.
Up & Coming Events
Do you want to join one of our future events? Check out available tickets.
The History of Tigers
The history of the Leicester Tigers is a tale of enduring success and remarkable milestones. Formed in 1880, the club played its first match against Moseley in October of that year. The Welford Road ground opened in 1892 with a decisive victory. Their early triumphs included winning the Midland Counties Challenge Cup in 1898 and an unprecedented eighth consecutive Midlands Counties Cup by 1905. Noteworthy achievements include Percy Lawrie scoring 200 career tries in 1924 and David Matthews making 500 first-team appearances in 1974. The Tigers claimed their first John Player Cup in 1979 and retained it for three successive seasons by 1981. They won the inaugural Courage League title in 1988 and saw Dusty Hare retire with 4507 points in 1989. The 1990s brought multiple Premiership titles and their first European Championship in 2001, part of an unprecedented treble. Success continued with Heineken Cup wins, domestic league titles, and significant victories, including their 11th English league title in 2022, cementing their legacy as one of rugby’s greatest teams.
The Tigers Were Formed
The Leicester Football Club was formed on 3 August following a meeting at the George Hotel, merging Leicester Societies AFC, Leicester Amateur FC, and Leicester Alert. Their inaugural match against Moseley ended in a nil-nil draw at the Belgrave Cricket & Cycle Ground on 23 October.
Welford Road
The Welford Road ground opened with a resounding 17-0 victory over a Leicestershire XV on 10 September.
Midland Counties Challenge Cup
The Tigers captured their first Midland Counties Challenge Cup, defeating Moseley in the final after three previous unsuccessful attempts in 1889, 1891, and 1894.
8th Consecutive Cup Win
The Tigers secured their eighth consecutive Midlands Counties Cup title by defeating Nottingham 31-0, scoring seven tries in the final.
Percy's 200th Try
Percy Lawrie set a historic milestone, becoming the only player in Tigers' history to score 200 career tries.
David's 500th Appearance
David Matthews became the first player in the club's history to make 500 appearances for the first team.
John Player Cup Win
The Tigers won the John Player Cup for the first time, narrowly defeating Moseley 15-12 in the final at Twickenham.
Retaining The Title
Leicester retained the John Player Cup after winning it for a third consecutive season.
Courage League Division One
Leicester won the inaugural Courage League Division One title after defeating Waterloo at Welford Road on 4 April.
Dusty Hare Hung Up His Boots
Dusty Hare concluded his illustrious career with an astounding 4507 points for the club.
2nd Courage League Title Win
The Tigers claimed their second Courage League title with a victory over Bristol on 29 April.
Premiership Title
Leicester secured their first Premiership title by defeating reigning champions Newcastle on their home ground on 2 May.
European Champions
The Tigers became European Champions for the first time, beating Stade Francais 34-30 in the final at Parc des Princes in Paris on 19 May. They also achieved an unprecedented treble of European, Premiership, and Championship titles.
Heineken Cup
Leicester retained the Heineken Cup and secured their fourth consecutive Premiership crown.
Double Cup Win
The Tigers achieved a league and cup double, winning the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the Premiership final.
8th English League Title Win
Leicester defeated London Irish at Twickenham to win their eighth English league title.
Retained Premiership Title
The Tigers retained the Premiership title with a thrilling victory over Saracens in the final at Twickenham.
Triumphed Local Rivals
Leicester triumphed over local East Midlands rivals Northampton at Twickenham to take the Premiership title.
8th Domestic Cup Win
The Tigers won the Anglo-Welsh Cup by defeating Exeter at the Stoop, marking their eighth domestic cup success.
11th League Title Win
Leicester claimed their 11th English league title with a dramatic 15-12 victory over Saracens.
Up & Coming Events
Do you want to join one of our future events? Check out available tickets.
FAQs
Sabretooth Tigers are a social group that is set up to support past players and all generations of former Leicester Tigers players under the spirit of the Droglites (see section below for this meaning).
DROGLITES is simply an anagram of "OLD TIGERS," embodying the enduring legacy and camaraderie among former Leicester Tigers players.
We exist to unite former Leicester Tigers players worldwide, preserving the legacy and strength of the Tigers family. By fostering a close-knit community, we ensure that every member feels valued and connected, both on and off the field.
Most Sabretooth members have featured in at least one 1st XV squad. However, we also honor those who have significantly contributed to the club and its ethos, recognizing their efforts with honorary membership.
To support our causes, please contact us with details about your interests and how you would like to contribute. We welcome all forms of support and involvement.
Unlike other rugby clubs, we do not use the term "Legends" or adhere to a hierarchy within the Sabretooths. Whether you played 502 matches like David Matthews or made just one appearance off the bench, every player's sacrifice to wear the famous jersey is equally recognized and honored around the world.