Following the conclusion of the first training block of the 2019/20 pre-season programme, Leicester Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy shares his thoughts on the opening three weeks of training and provides an update for supporters on the planned agenda for the coming weeks.

Geordan Murphy is happy with what he has seen from his squad in the opening three weeks of the pre-season programme.

Speaking at the club's Oval Park training ground following the final session in week three of the programme, the Tigers head coach told LeicesterTigers.com that the focus for the opening weeks has been on laying down a solid conditioning base due to the need for improved fitness levels ahead of the new campaign.

And, now that the base has been set, the rugby 'detail' will be added in slowly as a longer-than-usual pre-season moves into its fourth week for the Tigers.

"One thing we wanted to do was improve on our fitness and energy levels displayed last season, which we have addressed well in these first few weeks," said Murphy.

"It’s a long pre-season, we’re going to have some down weeks, but we want to make sure we are up to speed with our training, and used these three weeks to get in a really solid base.

"The next few weeks will be about bringing in a bit of rugby detail and then we’ll focus on where we are at then."

The Tigers head coach also praised his coaching team and strength and conditioning staff for their efforts in pushing the squad to their limits this summer.

"I think the coaches are doing a good job, the strength and conditioning coaches are doing a good job and pushing the lads as hard as we can," added Murphy.

"We are in a good spot ... we have been training really hard."

The 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season commences with an away trip to Worcester for Murphy and his squad to face the Warriors on Saturday, October 19 at Sixways Stadium before welcoming Saracens to Welford Road in Round 2 for the first home fixture of the new campaign.

Teams will take part in a four-week block of Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures prior to the league season commencing and opponents, dates and venues for the domestic Cup competition will be confirmed in the coming weeks.