Geordan Murphy says Sunday's Anglo-Welsh Cup triumph was "a collective effort" from the Leicester Tigers squad.
Tigers became the first three-time winners of the competition with a 16-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs at The Twickenham Stoop, adding to previous wins in 2007 and 2012.
Assistant coach Murphy, who led the squad throughout the tournament this season, said: “It is great for the playing group and guys taking part in this tournament to pick up some silverware.
“A lot of guys got field time in the competition and it has been a real collective effort.”
Tom Brady scored a first-half try as Tigers built a 16-5 lead but then had to withstand huge Chiefs pressure in the second half, with the defence only being breached in the 78th minute.
“The forwards set the tone for us and won the game for us,” said Murphy.
“We made 200-plus tackles. That’s a huge defensive effort from the guys and I’m really pleased for them.
“It was a pretty nerve-wracking second half. I thought Exeter were fantastic with the way they held on to the ball and put us under pressure. But our defence was heroic, they made really good shots and tackles. We worked really hard for each other and it’s great for the boys that they managed to hang on.”
Tigers return to Aviva Premiership duties this weekend with a Round 18 trip to Northampton Saints. Kick-off is at 3.00pm on Saturday at Franklin’s Gardens.
Tigers became the first three-time winners of the competition with a 16-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs at The Twickenham Stoop, adding to previous wins in 2007 and 2012.
Assistant coach Murphy, who led the squad throughout the tournament this season, said: “It is great for the playing group and guys taking part in this tournament to pick up some silverware.
“A lot of guys got field time in the competition and it has been a real collective effort.”
Tom Brady scored a first-half try as Tigers built a 16-5 lead but then had to withstand huge Chiefs pressure in the second half, with the defence only being breached in the 78th minute.
“The forwards set the tone for us and won the game for us,” said Murphy.
“We made 200-plus tackles. That’s a huge defensive effort from the guys and I’m really pleased for them.
“It was a pretty nerve-wracking second half. I thought Exeter were fantastic with the way they held on to the ball and put us under pressure. But our defence was heroic, they made really good shots and tackles. We worked really hard for each other and it’s great for the boys that they managed to hang on.”
Tigers return to Aviva Premiership duties this weekend with a Round 18 trip to Northampton Saints. Kick-off is at 3.00pm on Saturday at Franklin’s Gardens.
