Tigers will 'crave more silverware' - Tommy Reffell hopes PREM Rugby Cup win inspires Leicester squad

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Tommy Reffell is hoping that Leicester Tigers' PREM Rugby Cup victory will spur the side on to even more silverware. The Tigers ruthlessly dominated Exeter Chiefs with a 66-14 dismantling at Welford Road, running in 10 tries and securing the win long before the final whistle. Head coach Geoff Parling quickly turned his attention to next Sunday's huge PREM clash with Bristol Bears.

Highlights: Leicester rout Exeter to win PREM Rugby Cup

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Leicester Tigers thrashed Exeter Chiefs as they roared to the first silverware of the season with a 66-14 win in the PREM Rugby Cup final.

The Tigers assaulted the Chiefs with a haul of 10 tries at Welford Road as they totally outclassed the visitors.

The game was out of the Chiefs' reach by the time the first half finished, as the Tigers went into the break with a 35-7 lead. Exeter would have been scoreless if not for a try in the last minute of the half.

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Geoff Parling's side added another five tries in soaking conditions as Billy Searle continued his phenomenal run of form with an all-encompassing display from fly-half.

Captain Tommy Reffell, who was part of the league title-winning squad in 2022, hopes that the taste of silverware will spur on the team's younger players to desire even more glory.

"It gives the boys a sense of silverware and you always want to crave more," Reffell said.

"You look at Bristol next week, it's another tough game but you have to go game by game, and hopefully we're in the mix towards the end."

'We delivered under pressure' - Searle reacts to PREM Rugby Cup victory

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Leicester beat 2025 champions Bath in the semi-finals to secure a home final at Welford Road, and duly delivered in front of their fans with an enormous margin of victory.

"I think we worked really hard in this Six Nations period to get a home semi-final and a home final," Reffell said. "Credit to the boys, especially the ones who stepped up and delivered.

"We said we wanted to start well and play the conditions, put ourselves on the front foot. We said we just wanted to shift the ball and play a bit. Credit to Izaia [Perese] and Billy Searle, they put us in the right areas, and we turned pressure into points.

"It's massive because the hard work that's gone on behind the scenes, from the coaches and backroom staff, to all the work the boys have done off the field to get the opportunity.

"Some of the boys haven't won anything and now they have, they'll want to win more."

Like Reffell, both Searle and Parling wanted to quickly turn their attention to Bristol Bears in the league next weekend - a game that will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - in what will be a huge clash for both clubs as they seek to cement their spots in the top four.

Tigers are a point behind third-placed Bristol, and a point ahead of Exeter in the PREM table.

"It's massive for the club momentum-wise, pushing back into the PREM," explained Searle.

"It's a real squad effort and everyone evolved throughout the competition, and in finals rugby we delivered under pressure. It's a massive day for us and a trophy is a trophy. We'll take it and move on to the PREM.

"It's special to have a final at home. Big crowd and big atmosphere and to put on a performance like that, it's really pleasing, and nice to win at home.

‘We have to keep working’ – Parling praises squad effort in PREM Rugby Cup win

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'We'll find out' - Parling hopes cup win boosts Tigers

Parling was all business as he spoke to TNT Sports in his post-match interview, barely breaking a smile as his players celebrated in the background.

But the Tigers head coach was thoroughly pleased with how his players, both young and old, have gelled together during their cup run and hopes they can bring that momentum back into the league.

"It's been a lot of hard work from the start of the season. Lots of guys have chipped in for each other so really pleased," the former England international said.

"A big effort by everybody. However small someone thinks their part is, it's not. It really matters. Everyone has chipped in throughout the competition and I'm really pleased we got to do it in front of our home fans as well.

"It's been a great chance for young guys to put their hands up. Will Wand has been outstanding and grown for us. Harry Palmer made his debut. A chance for young guys mixed with older blokes and some internationals who have had game time.

"It's been a real squad effort, but our mind is already on Bristol, who have had two weeks of prep. But really pleased we got to lift that today."

When asked if this result will boost his squad, Parling said: "We'll find out. A week can change everything in sport and we have to keep working hard and make sure we turn up on Tuesday, because how we train is how we play."

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports.

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