Leicester Tigers back-rower Guy Thompson has spoken about his shock at being named Newcomer of the Year by supporters.

Fan favourite Thompson, who joined Tigers from Wasps at the start of the season, pipped team-mates Sam Aspland-Robinson, Kyle Eastmond and Will Spencer to the award, which he collected at the annual Awards Dinner hosted at Welford Road last Tuesday evening.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” the 32-year-old told LTTV. “I said earlier in the year that it felt like I’d been here forever when I joined, but I think it really hit home with my debut at home to Newcastle in the league [when] it became a home ground, not an away venue.

“The supporters here are outstanding, and they’ve got to be some of the best in world rugby.

“We’ve had a very tough season this year, we’re under no illusions, but they’ve been here every single game supporting us and cheering us on, so it’s a massive thank you to them, and we hope that we can repay them next season.”

Watch the full interview with Thompson – with a surprise appearance from fellow newcomer Kyle Eastmond – exclusively on LTTV, below.