Image source, Getty Images

Olly Cracknell is a bird-watching flanker with international ambitions who found relief from the grief of his father's death last year in a roaring opening-day performance for Leicester Tigers.

It was only four days before Leicester were to start their campaign, against Exeter Chiefs, that Cracknell's dad Tom passed away after a long illness at the age of 80.

The 30-year-old says it was family that encouraged him to appear for Leicester that day, and he remains thankful to them, as well as friends and all at the club who helped get him on the pitch.

"Before the game it was really hard and I knew if I could just get on the field then you sort of switch off a bit and focus on the game," Cracknell told BBC Radio Leicester.

"I knew holding it all back and getting on the field, there was an element of some catharsis in playing and taking it out in the game.

"To win that game the way we did is an experience I'll never forget - a last-minute try away at Exeter. It was nice to be with the boys in that moment."

Ulster will be led by Iain Henderson, who will make a welcome return from injury at Welford Road.

The Irish province have lost both European matches heavily to Toulouse and Bordeaux in the middle of a run of five consecutive defeats, that was only ended by a win over Connacht in December.

Ulster are boosted by the return of Henderon and full-back Ethan McIlroy but are missing injured Ireland internationals Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey and Rob Herring, and the suspended Tom O'Toole.

John Andrew has been named to start at hooker after Herring failed to recover from a calf injury, while Andrew Warwick comes into the front row in place of Eric O'Sullivan.

Ulster: McIlroy; Kok; Carson, Postlewaite; Ward; Morgan, Doak; Warwick, Andrew, Wilson; Henderson (capt), Izuchukwu; McNabney, Timoney, McCann.

Replacements: McCormick, O'Sullivan, Barrett, Treadwell, Sheridan, Cooney, Murphy, Telfer.

Image source, Inpho

England full-back Freddie Steward will make his 100th appearance for Leicester Tigers today against Ulster.

The 24-year-old made his Tigers debut in 2019 and will now hope to celebrate his century of caps with a win.

Leicester lost their European opener to Bordeaux but picked up a big victory over South African side Sharks in their second match before Christmas.

Michael Cheika makes three changes from the Tigers' win over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

Australian Jed Holloway will make his first start for the club at lock while centre Izaia Perese and back row Finn Carnduff will return from injury.

Leicester Tigers: Steward; Bassett; Perese, Kata; Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya (capt), Heyes; Henderson, Holloway; Carnduff, Reffell, Cracknell.

Replacements: Clare, Whitcombe, Cole, Wells, Ilione, Youngs, Shillcock, Woodward.

Image source, Getty Images

Cheers Mantej!

The Six Nations opener between Ireland and England is just a few weeks away, and it's 1-0 to the Irish in this Saturday night European double-header thanks to Munster's win over Saracens earlier.

Ulster are without a win in Europe so far and will be up against it in Leicester's back yard if they want the bragging rights this evening.

We'll have live updates right here and you can listen to the game on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster.

Image source, Getty Images

The action keeps on coming in the Champions Cup.

Time to bring you all of the build-up to our late kick-off at Welford Road as Leicester Tigers host Ulster.

Over to Andy Gray...

Northampton Saints have booked their place in the knockout stages despite Stade Francais roaring back to win an exhilarating match featuring 12 tries.

Henry Pollock once again demonstrated his big-match mentality by scoring two tries in a minute as Northampton powered into a 21-0 lead in an electric opening quarter.

The home side responded superbly at a raucous Stade Jean-Bouin, scoring three times to close the gap to 21-19 at half-time.

Saints scored a fourth try early in the second half to clinch the bonus point they needed to guarantee their last-16 place with a game to play.

But a penalty try, which resulted in England scrum-half Alex Mitchell being sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes, and three further Stade tries completed a remarkable victory for Paul Gustard's side.

Curtis Langdon ran in a late try for the visitors but the home players celebrated a famous victory which revives their hopes of progressing.

So how are we looking in Pool 3?

Munster move up to second place with a trip to Northampton to come.

Sarries drop to third, trailing by Munster by just one in the points difference column.

The Premiership side host Castres in their final pool game next Sunday.

Speaking to Premier Sports, Munster captain Tadhg Beirne said: "The fight at the end from the boys comes from the 16th man of everyone here in the stadium.

"Tactically we got it spot on, credit to the coaches and fair play to the boys for sticking in and getting over the line."

We only had two tries but it was some game with no lack of commitment from both sides.

Thomond Park was up for it at the end.

It's all over. Munster have earned a terrific win.

Alex Lozowski looks for Liam Williams out wide but it's adjudged to have gone forward.

Munster are closing in on a fine victory.

Huge decision.

Saracens win the penalty in the scrum. This will be kicked into touch.

Just a couple of minutes remaining.

Saracens are in and you'd put your house on Liam Williams making the right decision but he loses control of the ball, metres short of the line.

That could be the loudest cheer of the night.

Saracens have the rolling maul but Tadhg Beirne is a nuisance and manages to drag it into touch.

The home fans are off their seats in appreciation of their skipper.

Munster throw a loose pass but Nick Tompkins is unable to gather the ball and that is a let off for the hosts.

What a finish we have in store here.

Saracens hit back with another Alex Lozowski penalty.

It follows a Calvin Nash knock on under the high ball.

It's all set for a thrilling last 10 minutes.

Saracens flood forward but Munster stand firm and give no ground away.

Fergus Burke is back in the pocket but his drop goal attempt is wide.

Boos ring out around Thomond Park as Conor Murray is adjudged to be offside.

It hands Saracens a chance to kick for touch and launch an attack.