Skivington: We are ready

Leicester lock George Skivington tells skysports.com that the Tigers can cope without their RWC stars

With the Rugby World Cup robbing clubs of their leading stars, few sides have been hit harder than Leicester Tigers. The likes of Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Ben Youngs, Martin Castrogiovanni and Toby Flood will all be missing for the Tigers during the opening exchanges of the new Aviva Premiership campaign. That means Richard Cockerill's troops face a real battle if they are to win back their domestic crown, having lost out to Saracens in last season's Premiership final. However Leicester lock George Skivington insists the club's talented array of academy stars can step up to the mark. "Pre-season has been going well, although we've a different squad now to what finished the season," Skivington told skysports.com "There are a lot of guys away due to the World Cup so some of the young guys from the academy have the chance to step up. It is exciting everyone is looking really good in training and we just want to start playing now. "We will be up there once again, though. We will obviously be missing players at the start but it is good for Leicester Tigers that the academy players get their opportunity. "Every side has to deal with the World Cup and although we've got a big contingent of players away, we have got a big squad with everyone able to slot in and play Premiership rugby - and to be honest, if the lads weren't good enough and didn't work hard enough in training then they wouldn't be here.

Confidence

"I'm full of confidence that the young guys can step up and perform. I can remember being a young lad myself and getting the chance with the World Cup on. I think there are six games or so where some of these guys will have a chance to put their hands up." Although hooker George Chuter was overlooked for the England squad, Leicester have been hardest hit up front - with props Castrogiovanni, Dan Cole and Marcos Ayerza all set to be in action in New Zealand. However the 28-year-old Skivington has earmarked summer signing Kieran Brookes to rise to the challenge for the Tigers. "Kieran Brookes, who has joined us form Newcastle, is an exciting talent," said Skivington, who arrived at Welford Road from Wasps in 2010. "With Coley and Castro both away, we have needed a tighthead to come in and he is a big strong guy who can make an impact during the World Cup." While Skivington is expecting big things domestically from Brookes, he believes club-mate Manu Tuilagi - who has scored twice already in the warm-up matches - can be the star of England's bid for World Cup glory. "Tuilagi's call up was no surprise to me," said Skivington. "He is a great athlete. Pace, power and skill, he has it all. Normally, you get one or the other but with Manu you get it all - he's the complete package despite being so young. "It is scary the potential that he has got and he will only get better and better."