Spalding born Will Wand scores a try for Leicester Tigers on his Gallagher Premiership debut

Lifelong fan Will Wand marked his Gallagher Premiership debut with a try for Leicester Tigers on Saturday night.

The Spalding born rugby ace came on as a substitute for the Tigers in their 42-10 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

He scored the penultimate try as Leicester landed a bonus-point win in their third match of the top flight campaign.

Wand - who came through the junior ranks at Spalding Rugby Club - was making his maiden appearance for the Tigers after his summer switch from Coventry.

He said: "It was a bit surreal.

"I knew that I had to bring loads of energy coming off the bench. I just did what I could and luckily I was in the right place at the right time.

"It was a good start and I'm happy with it."

Wand had been part of the pathways and development teams at Tigers after starting out at Spalding as a youngster.

His senior career began with Cambridge where he made 20 appearances in National League One before moving to Coventry in the Championship in 2022.

The 22-year-old scored 14 tries in 22 appearances for Coventry during the 23/24 season which also included selection in the Championship's Team of the Season at outside-centre.

His exploits earned a move to the Tigers which he had described as a 'dream come true.'

He said: "Growing up a Leicester fan played a big role in my childhood.

"The Tigers have the biggest stadium and arguably one of the biggest fanbases in the world.

"Going there as a kid you experience a great atmosphere and the Tigers family, and now being part of that is a dream come true.

"It's not just me joining a club, it’s my childhood dream coming true.

"I just want to compete in my position, help create a competitive environment and help the team when needed."

Tigers now face an East Midlands derby against Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday.