Leicester Tigers director of rugby Dean Richards has once again played down title talk and believes there is still a great deal of work to be done.

"There is a long way to go and certainly the old adage of not counting your chickens certainly counts in this scenario," Ricahrd commented. "To be in the position we are is due to a huge amount of gratitude to our young players who have stepped up and performed in the absence of senior players."

"Everyone is making us favourites and I suppose if we sat down and looked at it ourselves, we would be the favourites, but we appreciate that there are a lot of good sides out there like Northampton and Wasps, who can't possibly have as bad a second half to their season as they had in the first half. So it's going to be difficult."

Of their chances of retaining the Prmeiership crown the Tigers boss said, "We have to be realistic. It will be difficult for us to go through the rest of the season without losing a game or dropping a bonus point. There are too many difficult sides out there for us to start looking at the end of the season. Even if we win it by a single point I will be delighted."

This weekend the side will be receiving the Honourary Freedom of the City as reward for the success they have brought the city, an honour Richards is proud to receive.

"Everybody at the club feels extremely honoured and proud by the fact that we are having this freedom of the city bestowed upon us. It is slightly different to wining a title or playing in a cup final. It is something that has been bestowed on the club for the achievements they have made and also for the recognition they have brought to the city."

As for this weekend's clash with Bristol, Richards commented, "Bristol have a huge amount of experience in their side. Their position in the table probably doesn't reflect the way they play their rugby. They are a hard side. Any side coached by Dean Ryan will always be physical, but it is a must win game for us going into Christmas."