Alex Mitchell explains taunt behind Tigers–Saints derby melee

Leicester Tigers’ 28–7 derby victory at Welford Road came after a confrontation involving 30 players, which Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell says began with his teasing of Adam Radwan.

Speaking to The i Paper, Mitchell described the exchange just before half-time on Saturday 24 October. Leicester went on to score four tries and come from behind to beat Saints.

Mitchell recalled his remark to the Tigers wing: “I think I said to Radders [Adam Radwan] ‘oh, good carry, mate’ – just simple stuff.” He said Radwan appeared annoyed and other players then joined in.

Pollock backed by Saints team-mate

Henry Pollock grabbed Freddie Steward and Leicester captain Ollie Chessum by the backs of their shirts during the confrontation. Chessum then shoved Pollock up the changing-room steps.

Mitchell defended the energy his Northampton team-mate brings, while acknowledging that provoking opponents can have both good and bad effects.

Mitchell told The i Paper: “If the team’s feeling a bit flat, he can definitely bring that.” He described the confrontation as pushing and shoving, adding: “But you know no one’s going to really take it too far over the line, are they?”

Derby rivals reunited with England

By Sunday 25 October, Mitchell, Pollock, Chessum and Steward were together at England’s training camp, preparing for the Nations Championship opener against Australia.

Mitchell said the Leicester players enjoyed their bragging rights when the group met up. He initially pretended to ignore Chessum and Steward before they ended up laughing.

The Saints scrum-half is now sharing a room with Chessum, having also roomed with him during previous Six Nations and autumn camps. Mitchell said their long-standing friendship helped them switch from club rivalry to playing together for England.

Source: The i Paper