This isn't quite a Bloodgate level scandal. Actually, even associating the word scandal with it is probably excessive.
Still, Leicester Tigers could be in trouble following at BT Sport documentary on Friday night. The broadcaster's 'XV' series goes behind-the-scenes at a club for each episode. On Friday, it was Richard Cockerill's Leicester.
The documentary featured Cockerill - Leicester Director of Rugby - tell the team, prior to the Premiership game against Northampton on January 9th, that Manu Tuilagi would initially not be named in the squad.
Because of the circus around Manu we’re going to announce him out of the squad to start with and then in the squad an hour before kick-off.
Such a rouse contravenes Premiership rules which require the matchday squad to be named by noon on the day prior to the match and any changes to be fully explained. Following a 15-month injury layoff, Tuilagi was named in the Leicester squad that day, coming off the bench with just under half an hour remaining in a 30-27 win for his side.
A spokesperson for Premiership Rugby told the Daily Mail that they would be looking into the matter.
It's no surprise that such methods are used by teams, but it was certainly a slip by Cockerill to divulge it on camera.
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
