ball

Instead, a half-inning later, the Marlins made it a brand new ball game.

The famous conversation with Victor Valdes, in which Valdes thought his manager had gone mad for asking him to pass to centre-backs who didn't want the ball, is now part of football folklore.

"I'm not exaggerating. Guys, bring your boots, your shorts and T-shirt and let's play every ball together," said Areta, who is eyeing his first major silverware at the club since the FA Cup in 2020.

The 23-year-old back row, who signed a contract extension in March, was a destructive cameo on both sides of the ball in the Tigers' win over Harlequins.

"I'm a lot more confident this year, I'm hitting the ball a lot better. I probably have a bit more belief in myself and I feel a lot more calm."