'He was awesome' - Billy Searle takes plaudits after Leicester Tigers beat Saracens in entertaining Gallagher PREM clash
Published 04/01/2026 at 18:41 GMT
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Leicester Tigers got the better of Saracens in an end-to-end Gallagher PREM encounter on Sunday afternoon, and Adam Radwan was in the headlines with two tries. But it was the consistently classy work of Billy Searle that caught the TNT Sports pundits' eyes. Emily Scarratt and Geoff Parling expressed their admiration for the fly-half's impressive performance.
Highlights: Radwan double helps Leicester power past Saracens
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports' pundits heaped praise on Billy Searle after his classy display in Leicester Tigers' 36-28 Gallagher PREM win over Saracens.
The fly-half's passing range and accurate kicking were on show throughout as Leicester secured victory at Welford Road.
Former England international Emily Scarratt singled Searle out for praise in her post-match analysis on TNT Sports.
"He was awesome. I think he controlled the game really well," she said. "He's probably not the guy who you think is going to come out and control the game.
"He was brilliant - just the variation of what he brought to the game, those attacking kicks, and he's not afraid to get whacked. He took a few today."
Leicester head coach Geoff Parling shared Scarratt's assessment of Searle, who was named player of the match for his performance.
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Radwan ‘happily accepts late Christmas present’ to put Leicester out of sight
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I don't know if it was their plan but they came after him a little bit," Parling said. "There were a couple of late hits but he weathered them.
"He's got what looks like a broken nose, so that makes a true Leicester Tigers 10, doesn't it? But he did really well."
TNT Sports presenter Craig Doyle, meanwhile, added: "Fleet of foot, some of the deception, some of the little shows and goes, absolutely brilliant.
"We love to see this. It's great for the game."
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Searle, who ended with two try assists, was interviewed after the game and highlighted the importance of the win.
The 29-year-old is fourth in the PREM points charts but showed his creative side against Saracens.
"Amazing, sell-out crowd, amazing support today and got right behind us today and they made a big difference," Searle said. "That first 20 minutes, three tries early on put us in a good position.
"I'm loving my time here. I feel like I really fit in with the way they want to play the game. Much more mature than I used to be and I really fit in with the boys. I'm loving life."
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Parling also reflected on the outcome, praising his team but acknowledging the late try that gave the visitors a bonus point that could prove significant come the end of the PREM season.
He said: "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."
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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