Leicester Tigers sign two Canadian players with support from For the Love of the Game

Leicester Tigers announced last week the signing of Canadian national team players Claire Gallagher and Julia Omokhuale, which was made possible thanks to generous support from the Canadian non-profit foundation For the Love of the Game.  

Founded in 2015 by former Canadian international and Leicester Tigers player Dave Lougheed, For the Love of the Game’s mission is to inspire athletic excellence through the delivery of exceptional sporting experiences for athletes, coaches, and supporters. Past recipients of For the Love of the Game scholarships include Canadian national team players Tyler Rowland, Brock Webster and Will Percillier. 

Both Gallagher and Omokhuale earned their first caps for Canada in 2023. Former University of Ottawa player Gallagher came off the bench in the second half of Canada’s Pacific Four Series match against New Zealand, while the University of Calgary’s Julia Omokhuale entered the final minutes of Canada’s WXV1 win over France. 

Lougheed, who played 34 caps for Canada and competed at four Rugby World Cups, is a long-term supporter of Canadian rugby who was recognized for his contributions in 2019 with an induction into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame. 

“On behalf of Rugby Canada, I would like to thank Dave and For the Love of the Game for their contributions and support of Canadian rugby players,” said Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada CEO. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these two young players, and we appreciate For the Love of the Game for their continued work in helping our players gain valuable experience training and playing Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby at Leicester.” 

More information about For the Love of the Game can be found at www.fortheloveofthegame.info. Leicester’s announcement regarding their partnership with For the Love of the Game can be found here.