Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “This is an important game for us in terms of building momentum into what will be very important fixtures in our league campaign, with Connacht and Munster at home in coming weeks.
“We’ve got plenty of tradition with Leicester and the battles and rivalries of Welsh regions pitting themselves against the English clubs usually brings out the best in our home supporters. It’s going to be competitive and challenging for us and we look forward to seeing some of these new players taking their chances on Sunday.
“Leicester Tigers like us, have a number of internationals away on duty, and while we are still limited in our selection due to the number of injuries and those also committed to Wales 20’s and Sevens, this contest is also about building on the experience and performance of last week for a number of our players.
“We know we can’t qualify now but we can finish on a high and playing at home and looking to the next four weeks, we need to get momentum and performance and a result will be very good as well. Next four weeks is the key to our season in terms of getting ourselves back in that top four while we have so many players away.”
Outside half Owen Williams, 20, who put in a mature performance last weekend against Sale and has impressed for Premiership feeder club partner Llanelli RFC gets his second opportunity in a row with versatile back Gareth Owen remaining at full-back for the fixture after his strong performance last weekend.
Hooker Emyr Phillips captains the Scarlets side for the first time, with the highly-regarded forward who has signed a new three year contract at Parc y Scarlets getting his opportunity to take responsibility alongside Rhodri Jones and overseas signing Jacobie Adriaanse in the front row.
A new face to the Scarlets starting line-up is Kenfig Hill product Kyle Evans who has put in some exciting performances with Llanelli in recent weeks and has been training with the LV= Cup squad at Parc y Scarlets for the past fortnight.
Easterby said: “Kyle has worked very hard this season with Llanelli and shown real commitment to training and in his performances. He’s scored some brilliant tries recently and he’s shown in training with us, he deserves this opportunity.”
