The Rolling Maul

Mike and Elliott chat about some exciting and perhaps optimistic fly half rumours, the prospect of Gustard arriving as head coach, and a mid-season pre-season match against old rivals from across the sea, Munster. Plus, we speak to Fiji and Tigers fly half Ben Volavola about his experiences overseas, attacking rugby, and why he hasn't sampled a pork pie yet.

Mike and Elliott return from a week away to find all sorts of off-field developments taking place. The arrival of defence specialist and NRL legend David Kidwell, the departure of Handre Pollard and questionable comms on season tickets dominate the chat, but there's plenty more churn around the squad to discuss too.

Mike and Elliott speak to Tigers' legendary fullback Tim Stimpson in a no-holds-barred rollercoaster of a journey through his Tigers career, largely involving fighting and public urination (allegedly!) (by others!). Mike also reveals a slightly mad challenge for later this year to raise some money for good causes whilst we unsuccessfully try our hand at commentating on the highlights of the win away at Coventry.

Mike and Elliott churn through some chat regarding player retention, replacements for Cheika and a potential reshuffling of the coaching cabinet, before we turn our attention to a comprehensive yet frustrating win over Nottingham. We also look ahead to a tricky away fixture at Cov, and predict how the team will be shaping up for that...

Mike and Elliott deal, not for the first time, with the sad news that a head coach will be off following the confirmation that Michael Cheika will be leaving the club at the end of the season, and then have a deep dive into who will be filling the void next year. Plus, we are joined by Iain Morton to review the Premiership Cup win against Saints before looking ahead to another home fixture against Nottingham in the same competition.

Mike and Elliott return after a week off to attempt, unsuccessfully, to solve the same old riddles that keep plaguing our beloved Tigers side after an officiating-inspired collapse against Gloucester sees an opportunity for a depleted Tigers side slip through their fingers. We also look into a raft of exciting re-signings and look ahead to what will likely be a heavily rotated fixture against our old friends, Northampton, in the Premiership Cup.

Mike and Elliott rave about Freddie Steward's goal kicking (does he remind you of a certain other legendary Tigers 15??) and Michael Cheika's hairdryer treatment as the boys overcome a slow start and show glimpses of brilliance in a comfortable win over Ulster. Next up are the reigning champions, Toulouse, where nothing less than an absolute thrashing of our French friends will be acceptable...

Mike and Elliott go bonus podding by sitting down with young Tigers star Emeka Illione to ask him about the development of his game, balancing studies and rugby and finding out whether or not there is anything he is actually bad at...

Mike and Elliott take a breather after a pant-ruiningly tense game against Exeter which saw the boys come good at the end, another bonus point win but one which still leaves a number of questions unanswered. Plus, we talk about some potential good news around the corner to be shared by the club and look ahead to the visit of Ulster in the European Cup.

Mike and Elliott awaken from their festive slumbers to relive a nerve-shredding draw - unbelievably, the third consecutive Big Game draw - against Harlequins. Questions around consistency and defence continue to rear their unwelcome heads, but we take solace in the fact that we were rescued by a last minute screamer from Dan Cole. We then turn our attention to an opportunity to get back on the horse proper against an Exeter side coming in off the back of their first league victory of the season in a Double Header at MWWR.