64 England caps (fourteen as Captain during turbulent times) including a world cup winner’s medal. 7 games for the British and Irish Lions including his late call up to go on and play brilliantly.290 appearances in the Tigers shirt.

I shall remember him as a gentleman of the game especially during the undermining of his England captaincy. One of his final acts as a player was to collect the GP Premiership trophy in his role as Club Captain and Water Boy.

Ben Herring Forced to retire early due to the possibility of permanent damage if he suffered another knock to the head, the Kiwi openside and his facial hair will be missed. Never let the side down and was very important this season when Moody and Woods were injured.

Benjamin Kayser IMHO the biggest loss to the Tigers squad, Benjamin has become one of my favorite players over the last two seasons and I wish him every success at Stade (except if playing against us).

Marco Wentzel Off up North to Leeds to join up with Backy and Kiwi again, the lock/back row will hopefully get his wish for more game time next season.

Tom Varndell One of this seasons most popular debated topics on the unofficial site, leaves Tigers to go to Wasps. His blistering pace is his best attribute but perceived deficiencies in defense and with the form of Matt Smith, arrival of Scott Hamilton, reported off-field problems, reportedly high wage claim and salary cap, he has been released by Tigers. We will see next season if it was the right thing for Tigers to let Tom go. One thing I do know is that KevinR’s son George will miss him and his red boots.

Seru Rabeni The Fijian leaves Tigers after five years for Gloucester with Anthony Allen coming the other way. Injury and a lengthy ban this season meant we never saw a repeat of his early form in a Tigers shirt and that displayed at the World Cup.

Ayoola Erinle The ex-wasps centre/winger joins the player exodus to France, it was his dream to play in a Tigers shirt and we have never seen enough of him to know how good he could be. My memory will be his outstanding display at the Walkers against Bath as a late stand in for Aaron Mauger.His departure also sees the Tigers Rock Group Slo Progress seeking a new drummer for next year’s world tour.

Santiago Bonorino Signed at the start of the season as a replacement for the Tiger Favorite Alex Moreno, has never had the game time or maybe has not got the quality to make the grade and moves down the road to Saints.

Julien Dupuy Julien’s departature is still to be finalised as I write this article but it looks increasing likely that the goal-kicking scrum-half will return to France next season to play for Stade after his girl friend did not settle in England. Will always be remembered for the try against Bath at the Walkers Stadium.

Derick Hougaard The South African may be leaving Tigers after just the one season; one of Heineke Meyer’s signings the fly-half struggled with injuries and the removal of his appendix to claim a regular place in the match day 22. However with Toby Flood missing the start of next season and the likely departure of Dupuy, the lack of goal kickers at the start of next season may yet see him stay...

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