Experienced hooker Neil Briggs described the training ethos at Leicester Tigers as a new experience.

England Saxons international Briggs, who has gained top-flight experience in England and France, moved to Welford Road in the summer.

He has been joined at Tigers by Gonzalo Camacho, Jamie Gibson, Ryan Lamb, David Mele, Owen Williams and Jerome Schuster and says he has been struck by the pre-season programme.

“I don’t think I’ve been in an environment like this since I started playing professional rugby,” said England Saxons international Briggs. “This training mentality and ethos is amazing.

“It’s a whole new culture and ethos. If you buy into it, this is the kind of place you want to be at. It breeds success and you can see why the club has been successful for so long.

“It’s great to be here. The training is going well, the sun is out, which is not too good for the fatties but it is amazing.”