Leicester Tigers back Mathew Tait is set to make his long-awaited return to action against the New Zealand Maori side next week.
The former England star, still only 26, has been out for 13 months with a persistent groin injury, limiting his appearances for Leicester to just three since his arrival from Sale Sharks back in July 2011.
Tait's flexibility has seen him play throughout the backline during his career, giving Leicester a number of options when it comes to selection.
"Mat is fit and he will play on the wing and at outside centre in the games against the Maori and London Irish," Cockerill told The Leicester Mercury.
"Maybe full-back is going to be his position because, certainly, we need to look at that position moving forward.
"He can play outside-centre and wing just as well but the No.13 shirt is pretty well covered for us and we have plenty of bodies on the wing.
"So full-back may be a natural choice for him."
Comments
Centre12 says...
Doesn't it feel like a long time ago when he, Wilkinson and Flood were at Newcastle, I really did think back in 2007 that we had a World class #13 in the making, unfortuntley injury and perhaps his versatility have been his downfall, I hope he has a good strong come back as there is no question about his talent.
I would like to see Sharples cement himself in that other wing position with Ashton but feel that at #15 we have a lot of strength and depth so maybe in England's best interest to have him focus on wing & centre
Posted 09:39 08th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
A baptism of fire. I can think of easier club games to start back from injury!
Posted 14:42 07th November 2012
NHsaints says...
This is a big call throwing someone as Fragile as tait straight back at the NZ maori, however he's a good player and fullback could work really well for him.
Posted 14:36 07th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
The big hitting aggressive Maori will show us if Matt Tait has evolved his gentle temperment (I'm being polite) into something with a little more steel. this is a challenge. I hope Louis Deacon is fit to take the Maori on. Leicester will need warriors. Lets see a quality side Cockers, It's the NZ Maori. Give the paying public what they'd expect from such a fixture. Otherwise, Next time just don't bother.
Posted 11:29 07th November 2012