Leicester Academy product Matt Smith will start at full-back for the Tigers in their latest pre-season warm-up game against the Ospreys on Saturday.

He told BBC Radio Leicester: "I hope to play as many games as possible and, with a smaller squad, hopefully there'll be more opportunities."

The versatile back added: "I prefer outside centre but I'll play anywhere".

Smith, who made his Tigers debut two years ago, was a regular member of the successful Development XV.

After spending last season with National One outfit Nottingham, the youngster is looking forward to starting on Saturday (1500 BST).

"It'll be interesting," he said, "because I haven't played at full-back for some time, especially with the new law variations".

The son of former Ian �Dosser� Smith, the former Tigers flanker, skipper and coach, he has been with the club since joining the Junior Academy at Under-16 level and represented Oakham School in their 2003 Daily Mail Cup Final win at Twickenham.