Leicester Tigers 36-28 Saracens result - Adam Radwan scores special brace in five-try victory to boost top-four hopes

PREM / Regular

Mattioli Woods Welford Road / 04.01.2026

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HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights: Radwan double helps Leicester power past Saracens

Video credit: TNT Sports

17:27

LEICESTER CLOSE GAP ON TOP FOUR WITH FIVE-TRY WIN

Leicester Tigers sit two points outside the Gallagher PREM top four at the halfway stage following a 36-28 win against Saracens.

The battle between fifth and sixth saw neither side wanting to lose ground behind the play-off spots going into the second half of the season.

Despite losing to Exeter the previous week, the Tigers started on the front foot at an almost sold-out Welford Road.

Star man Billy Searle kicked the ball through for Freddie Steward to score the opening try with just five minutes played.

The Tigers’ second row helped Olly Cracknell score a second try, before Theo McFarland pulled Sarries back into the tie.

Saracens were unable to cope with the pace of Adam Radwan who ran over a third try, before Joe Heyes grabbed a fourth try and a bonus point on the stroke of half-time.

Sarries gave an improved second-half showing with Rhys Carre powering them back into the match.

However, a Searle penalty and Radwan interception try sealed Leicester an important win.

Saracens were rewarded for their efforts with Juan-Martin Gonzalez and Charlie Bracken tries securing a four-try bonus point in the closing minutes.

Image credit: Getty Images

17:17

PARLING: ‘OVERALL PLEASED’

Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling told TNT Sports: "I thought we got it right from the warm-up and great prep during the week.

"I was disappointed that we let them in for that bonus point, with a few minutes to go, especially on the back of some great defence there, knocking them back.

"Overall, very pleased. Pleased with our attitude during the week, our application and fighting for each other. The hunger to work hard and get five points."

17:11

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Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and discovery+

17:10

SEARLE: I'M LOVING LIFE

Following his side’s victory, Leicester fly-half Billy Searle told TNT Sports: "We had amazing support today, to play in front of this atmosphere, they got right behind us today and made a big difference.

"In that first 20 minutes, three tries early on put us in a great position. It was a good Sunday afternoon.

"I'm loving my time here [at Leicester]. I feel like I really fit in with the way they want to play the game. I’m much more mature than I used to be on and off the pitch. I’m loving life."

17:02

LEICESTER IN TOP FOUR HUNT

Leicester finish the day just two points outside the top four at the halfway point of the season.

However, a bonus point for Saracens leaves them just six points behind fourth placed Bristol.

FT'

PEEP

That’s full-time as Leicester take a 36-28 victory in the crunch encounter. However, it will be tinged with some disappointment that Saracens got a fourth try bonus point.

79'

TRY! LEICESTER TIGERS 36-28 SARACENS (BRACKEN)

The fourth Sarries try was always coming. Malins finds a gap between two defenders to break forward before playing through Bracken to score. The effort is converted by Burke.

SEARLE YELLOW CARDED

The Leicester star is given man of the match one minute and a yellow card the next. He is punished for an infringement in the tackle.

75'

STEWARD REPLACED

After a stellar performance for the Tigers, Steward is replaced by youngster Pearson.

Allan is also on for Van Poortvliet

Just five minutes remaining and Saracens continue to probe for an important bonus point try.

72'

TEMPERS BOIL OVER

Searle is thrown to the ground by Isiekwe who receives a penalty against him. Tempers are starting to boil over as this game intensifies and the referee has had enough.

69'

SARRIES DENIED FOURTH TRY

Saracens are finishing this game very smartly. A lovely carry by Gonzalez who is blocked by Ilione a metre short. The ball is then knocked on before being grounded.

66'

MORE CHANGES

Leicester - Hurd on for Heyes; Moro on for Thompson #

Saracens - Cinti off for Lozowski

64'

TRY! LEICESTER TIGERS 36-21 SARACENS (GONZALEZ)

A clever try back for Sarries. Replacement Gonzalez finds a gap to drive over a metre out to score Saracens’ third try. Burke kicks the extras.

63'

CHANGES FOR BOTH SIDES

Leicester - Hamer-Webb on for Wand; Haffar on for Smith; Blamire off for Clare

Saracens - Earl off for Onyeama-Christie; Van Zyl off for Bracken

60'

TRY! LEICESTER TIGERS (RADWAN) 36-14 SARACENS

A late Christmas present for Leicester. The hosts have a fifth try after Van Zyl sends a loose pass straight to the Tigers winger to score in the corner. Searle adds the extras to put the game out of sight.

Radwan ‘happily accepts late Christmas present’ to put Leicester out of sight

Video credit: TNT Sports

57'

HOST OF SARRIES CHANGES

The visitors have a strong bench and offload them in a bid to get back into this game.

Mawi on for Carre; Street on for Riccioni; Tizard off for Gonzalez

54'

PENALTY! LEICESTER (SEARLE) 29-14 SARACENS

This time Saracens concede a penalty from a high ball. Searle opts to add the penalty and his effort is perfect.

51'

LEICESTER TIGERS 26-14 SARACENS (CARRE)

Leicester are guilty of conceding too many penalties early in this second half. Ilione feels harshly done for an infringement after making a tackle.

The referee warns them that any more infringements then they will be reduced to 14 men. Saracens are rewarded for their momentum as Carre drives the ball over. Burke slots the conversion.

46'

ILIONE STRAIGHT INTO ACTION

The Leicester Tigers replacement makes a vital interception to stifle Saracens deep inside the home side’s 22-metre line. Ilione has just come on for Cracknell and allowed Searle to kick his side out of danger.

Cracknell withdrawn after a blow to his shoulder.

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