English champions Leicester Tigers have been hit by injuries ahead of Saturday's Orange Cup clash against French side Biarritz in Bayonne.

Tigers' problems are mostly in midfield, with both Rod Kafer (groin) and Leon Lloyd (neck) sidelined.

Centre alternatives Glenn Gelderbloom (torn calf muscle) and Ollie Smith (hamstring) are also struggling.

So Leicester boss Dean Richards might be forced into fielding a rookie three-quarter unit.

Richards said: "This is the biggest injury crisis I have ever known since becoming coach."

Debut

Austin Healey, star of Tigers' Heineken Cup triumph against Munster three months ago, is set to retain the fly-half jersey.

And his half-back partner could be Jamie Hamilton, who after recovering from knee ligament trouble has now pledged his future to Leicester.

England flanker Lewis Moody (shoulder) is struggling to make the starting line up, but new signing Franck Tournaire is set to feature.

Saturday's game at Jean Dauger Stadium is the second Orange Cup fixture between English and French champions - Leicester lost to Toulouse last year.

Biarritz, who will start as firm favourites to land the trophy, were crowned France's top club after a thrilling 25-22 success against championship final opponents Agen in June.