sport news Lewis Moody talks of Leicester's 'meteoric change' ahead of the Premiership ... trends now

With seven Premiership titles in his locker, former Leicester and England flanker Lewis Moody knows a thing or two about what it takes to win English rugby’s biggest domestic prize.

Moody helped England to World Cup glory in 2003, captained his country, and also made three Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions in a glittering career.

But it was in a 14-year stint at Leicester that Moody became most used to the sweet taste of victory. 

He was part of an all-conquering Tigers side that swept all before them not only on the Premiership stage, but in Europe too. That team was led by the great Martin Johnson.

Leicester’s class of 2022 is captained by Ellis Genge. On Saturday, they will face Saracens in the Premiership final at Twickenham just 80 minutes away from what would be an 11th title.

Such a prospect would have been unthinkable two years ago.

Were it not for Saracens’ mammoth points deduction for salary cap breaches, Leicester would have been relegated in the 2019/20 season. Both clubs are now back at the right end of the table.

‘It’s been a remarkable season. I’ve absolutely loved watching Leicester,’ Moody, now 44, told Sportsmail. ‘There has not been a huge change in the playing personnel this year but there has been a meteoric change in the performance. 

'Some of that has got to be down to the fact that in a couple of tough years, young players like Freddie Steward were given the opportunity to play.

‘Back in the days of the 1990’s and 2000’s when we were winning left, right and centre, opportunities arose for players like myself and Ben Kay when the internationals were away.

‘It feels like the same has happened now.’

In the highest of compliments, Moody believes Leicester’s current crop possesses many of the same attributes his Tigers team did a decade or more ago.

‘For me it’s epitomised by the captain who has taken over from Tom Youngs. Ellis is just that terrier or bulldog-style figure,’ Moody added.

‘He can be reckless and it makes us all a little bit nervous because you never quite know what he’s going to do next. But what you do know is he’ll give 100 per cent commitment.

‘There is an element of Ellis that reminds me of Johnno who was also reckless at times because he was so bloody committed to the cause. 

'He was so hyped up and determined to lead by example, yet at the same time he developed a cool, calm head when it was needed.

‘It was inspirational leadership. There was no need for words from Johnno. He was someone you followed and wanted to follow. 

'I’ve loved watching Ellis play this year. He’s been brilliant and I’m genuinely really gutted he’s leaving. It feels like the old Leicester dog is returning.

‘Having seen them finish top of every single round it’s been remarkable, but none of that matters unless they win at the weekend.’

Moody’s former England team-mate Steve Borthwick has been the man to mastermind Leicester’s resurgence, taking them from the wrong end of the table to the top as head coach.

This season, the Tigers finished at the summit for each round of the campaign, becoming the first team in Premiership history to do so.

Borthwick worked under England head coach Eddie Jones and is the leading candidate to succeed the Australian when he departs after next year’s World Cup in France.

‘Anyone who played with Steve knew he would have a future in coaching because of the level of attention he delivered to his game, particularly in the line-out which he led for so long,’ Moody added. 

‘He was an England captain for a reason and has had a big impact at Leicester.

‘Steve is very quiet and knows what he is good at and not so good at. As a person he would be very happy to turn up to work, do his job, and go home. 

'What he is maybe not so good at is energising players and that side of things, so where I think he has been really clever is in the way he

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