The Samoan prop returned to training three weeks ago after a break at home following his international commitments and made his re-appearance in the Tigers squad for the trip to Jersey, starting at loosehead prop.
“That first game is very important to me because I need some match fitness,” Mulipola said.
“I felt pretty good coming back to the pre-season but now it is about match fitness. I just wanted to get back on the field, and in the second half when we made changes I was thinking ‘Put me back on’! Now I want to play some more.”
Mulipola’s trademark charges in possession were enjoyed by the Jersey crowd, and the Samoan admits it is the part of the game he loves most.
“You know I love carrying ball,” he said. “I did that a few times in the first half. I love it, so that was good for me.”
Now Mulipola is hoping to build on the form that saw him collect an Aviva Premiership winner’s medal in May and an important summer with his national squad.
“We played against Scotland, Italy and South Africa,” he said. “They were really hard games and it is the first time we’ve had to play against those teams in a tournament like that. We took it very seriously and I was very happy with the tournament. We just made little mistakes which made it tougher, but now we will take that experience into our November games. It will be good to build on that.”
After heading back to Leicester from his holiday with family in Samoa, the popular prop is itching to get back to his ‘second home’ at Welford Road.
“The first week back was very hard, but I feel good this time,” he said. “Last year I came back and straight into games with no preparation so this year will be better with some pre-season and that is good for me.
“It will be good to get back to Welford Road next week, I’m looking forward to that.”
Tigers face Ulster Rugby in the last pre-season fixture on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm. Tickets are available now. This fixture is included in Tigers season tickets.
