The 30-year-old lock’s inclusion is the only change to the side that beat Northampton Saints in the semi-final, with Mouritz Botha dropping to the bench.

No.8 Ernst Joubert will retain the armband after both Borthwick and Venter agreed it will be better for the team’s consistency.

But Venter, who cannot coach his side after losing his appeal against his 14-week ban, is delighted to have Borthwick back.

“He’s been training really well and the over-riding thing for me is to get such a special rugby player onto the pitch,” said Venter.

“We’re very happy to have him back and it will be good for the team.

“It will be a tough encounter on Saturday – but we know what the challenge in front of us is going to be like.”

Reigning champions Leicester will be appearing in their sixth consecutive final and have named Craig Newby among their replacements after he was cleared of making a dangerous tackle in the semi-final win over Bath.

Lewis Moody starts at openside in his final appearance for the Tigers before he leaves for Bath, and centre Dan Hipkiss’ return to the bench is the only change to the 23-man squad.

Head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Finals are big days out for everybody and the enthusiasm to go out there on the big day is as big as ever for us.

“There are two very good teams in the final and it will come down to the team that makes the fewest mistakes, takes their chances and manages to put the pressure on the opposition.”