Two tries and the LeoVegas Fans' Favourite award weren't enough to make Jonah Holmes' day after he and his Leicester Tigers team-mates suffered a defeat at the hands of Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup at Welford Road.

Speaking after the match, Holmes said: "The award is nice and made better by the fact it is Tigers supporters who decide it."

"But, we wanted to get the win and didn't ... it's ultimately disappointing we couldn't get the result in front of our supporters here in Leicester."

As for the try double, a modest Holmes was quick to point out it was the work of his team-mates that helped him get "over the line" at Welford Road.

"I am just doing my job out wide ... I am the one who gets over the line and has the tries next to my name on the scoresheet but, as cliche as it may sound, it's a team effort in helping work us up the pitch for me to be in the position to score," said Holmes.

"We showed some good signs of what we are capable of today as we have throughout the Cup.

"Our focus has remained the Premiership, but we would be lying if we said it didn't hurt to not get the win against Northampton."

The Welsh international returned to Leicester a month ago, after a summer with the Wales squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup and international appearances, and has since appeared on the wing and at fullback for Tigers throughout the Premiership Cup competition.

With Telusa Veainu expected to return to Leicester, as well as Tonga and fellow Tiger Sione Kalamafoni next week, and experienced outside-back Adam Thompstone back in action after a lengthy injury lay-off, Holmes is happy to compete for a spot in the matchday squad and excited about the strengthening in depth the club has seen over the summer.

"It's all good news ... we need experience and, thankfully, we have been able to give some to the young guys who have stepped up to senior rugby this summer," Holmes said.

"Combine those young guys coming through with internationals and experienced guys like Adam [Thompstone] and younger guys like George [Worth] and Jordan [Olowofela] and we are in a good place.

"The competition for places in the outside-backs and across the squad is important to keep us on our toes and good to see ... we are in a good place, building well and it's exciting to be heading in to the new Premiership season."