Richards geared for euro repeat
September 28, 2001

Leicester director of rugby Dean Richards is well aware of the task ahead of his Tigers as they prepare to defend their Heineken Cup crown.

"Winning the Heineken Cup was something special for Leicester last year," said Richards as his side gear for their pool one opener against 11-time Welsh Cup kings Llanelli at Welford Road.

"However, it is easier to win a cup than retain a cup - and it's going to be extremely tough.

"There is a huge amount of pressure on us after our successes last season. I am sure everyone else is going to look at us as the ones to beat, but thankfully our players thrive on that sort of expectation.

"In our group we have got Perpignan - a team in form at the moment - Llanelli - who are always a real challenge - and Calvisano - an unknown quantity.

"The Heineken Cup can be a bit of a lottery when it comes to injuries," he added.

"If you can stay injury-free then that is a big part of being successful in this tournament. I just hope we can get to the final again and be at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on May 25."

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