British and Irish Lion Tom Croft is set to bring a boost to Leicester Tigers’ run-in after being named in the squad for the first time since injuring his knee last September.
Croft, who started in the Lions’ series-opening 23-21 win in Brisbane last summer, damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in his club’s opening match of the season against Worcester Warriors.
But after eight months of the sidelines, he is in line for a return to action having been named among the replacements for Tigers’ clash with Saracens on Saturday.
With the Tigers already guaranteed a spot in the play-offs, flanker Croft could play in at least two games before the season finishes, with director of rugby Richard Cockerill happy to see the 28-year-old back in the fold.
“Tom Croft has been training fully and having him back is obviously good news,” Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. “He’s come through all the challenges on his way back to fitness and it’s good to see him ready to go again.
“Everyone has worked exceptionally hard to get this far but there is still work to do.”
