Tigers are tempted by league

Leopards may not change their spots, but it would appear that the Tigers want to add to their stripes. Leicester Tigers, a die-hard rugby union club founded in 1880, have announced that they are exploring the possibility of taking up a franchise in Rugby League's Super League.

Leopards may not change their spots, but it would appear that the Tigers want to add to their stripes. Leicester Tigers, a die-hard rugby union club founded in 1880, have announced that they are exploring the possibility of taking up a franchise in Rugby League's Super League.

The Leicester chairman, Peter Tom, said last night: "We have been thinking of a rugby league operation for some time. At this stage we are doing nothing more than exploring the possibility of becoming a dual code club."

Tom believes Super League matches at Welford Road are still at least two years away. "We are nowhere near making a decision," said Tom, who believes there will be merger of the two codes sooner or later. "But the viability of the exercise is something we are looking at seriously.

"We want to make use of our facilities in the summer and we think this could be a very interesting way of doing it. There is a long way to go and all sorts of things have to happen first. This is something which could become reality two years or so down the track."

Tom and the Leicester chief executive, Peter Wheeler, the former England hooker, are to have a fact-finding meeting with Bradford Bulls later this month.