Gavin Henson has been controversially excluded from the Ospreys squad to face Leicester © Getty Images

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News: Henson looking ahead

Matches: Leicester Tigers 12 - 6 Ospreys

Tournaments/Tours: Heineken Cup | Heineken Cup

Teams: Leicester Tigers | Ospreys

Leicester Tigers Head Coach Heyneke Meyer has recalled Martin Corry to captain the side as they renew hostilities with the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup on Sunday.

Martin Corry returns to captain the side, playing alongside fellow England international Ben Kay in the second row, while Marcos Ayerza, Benjamin Kayser and Julian White form an all-international front row.

Ben Woods makes his first Heineken Cup appearance for the club at open-side, with Tom Croft and Jordan Crane joining him in the back row. Harry Ellis teams up with Toby Flood at half-back, and Aaron Mauger and Dan Hipkiss continue their partnership at centre. Johne Murphy, Matt Smith and Geordan Murphy form the back three.

Richard Blaze returns from injury to take his place among the replacements, where he is joined by Derick Hougaard and Alesana Tuilagi who both started last weekend's win over Bath in the EDF Energy Cup after injury.

The Ospreys have named a strong side for the clash, but will be without Wales centre Gavin Henson after suspending him for the next two games in "a rugby-related disciplinary decision." His place is taken by Andrew Bishop, who partners the impressive Tommy Bowe in the centre. Young scrum-half Rhodri Wells links up with James Hook at half-back, while Nikki Walker joins Shane Williams and Lee Byrne in an all-international back three.

Ryan Jones captains the side from No.8 alongside Marty Holah and Jonathan Thomas in the back-row.

Ospreys coach Sean Holley is keen to pit his side against Leicester again, following two meetings in Anglo-Welsh Cup finals in recent seasons, "Everybody within the Ospreys camp is looking forward to renewing what has become a healthy rivalry with Leicester," said Holley. "We have the utmost respect for their playing and coaching staff, and for what the club has achieved over the years, and in particular in the Heineken Cup.

"They've made a good start to the current season and are playing some great rugby under their new coach Heyneke. We know that we can expect a real test on Sunday. We see Welford Road as being a great place to start this year's campaign, there will be a great atmosphere there as always.

"We have made a very positive start to our own season and are starting to see the fruits of the players hard work during pre- season. Like all professional rugby outfits, we have had injuries to contend with, but the squad is in very good shape going into this competition and we are ready for the challenge.

Despite having axed Henson from the squad, Holley believes that spirits are high at the Ospreys, and also that they are doing their bit in blooding local talent, "We have a very tight unit at the Ospreys, matches such as this one are as much about the 22 selected as the starting line-up itself, spirits are high and we intend to be extremely competitive on Sunday.

"We are particularly proud to be able to name 18 Welsh players in our 22, which is further evidence of the excellent work that we are doing here at the Ospreys to develop the best local talent."

Leicester Tigers: Geordan Murphy, Johne Murphy, Dan Hipkiss, Aaron Mauger, Matt Smith, Toby Flood, Harry Ellis, Marcos Ayerza, Benjamin Kayser, Julian White Martin Corry (c), Ben Kay, Tom Croft, Ben Woods, Jordan Crane

Replacements: George Chuter, Dan Cole, Richard Blaze, Marco Wentzel, Julien Dupuy, Derick Hougaard, Alesana Tuilagi

Ospreys: Lee Byrne, Nikki Walker, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams, James Hook, Rhodri Wells, Ryan Jones (c), Marty Holah, Jonathan Thomas, Ian Evans, Alun-wyn Jones, Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Paul James

Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Ian Gough, Filo Tiatia, Tom Smith, Rhys Webb, Daniel Biggar