Saracens kicked off their season with a dramatic 40-38 win against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road. The visitors battled back to claim victory in a 12-try thriller, despite Nick Isiekwe receiving a 20-minute red card for a high tackle on Freddie Steward.
Brendan Venter, in a new chapter at Saracens, saw his side overcome early adversity, including an arm injury to Olly Hartley. Ben Earl, inspired off the bench, and debutant Tomos Williams were key figures for Saracens. Rotimi Segun's second try proved decisive, complemented by Fergus Burke's five conversions.
Leicester, for whom Gabriel Hamer-Webb scored a hat-trick, took the lead for the first time in the 54th minute through Adam Radwan. However, Saracens, back to 15 men, held on in the final minutes after Segun's late score.