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Polota-Nau excited to be back at Tigers HQ

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Tatafu Polota-Nau is back in Europe and raring to go ahead of the new Heineken Champions Cup season after representing Australia in the recent Rugby Championship.

The hooker last played for Tigers in the opening round of this season's Gallagher Premiership away to Exeter and, despite missing the final two fixtures for the Wallabies with a hamstring complaint, Polota-Nau is fit and firing for a trip to Belfast this weekend if selected for the clash with Ulster.

"I'm really looking forward to playing what would be my first ever game at Kingspan," said Polota-Nau.

When asked if he had recovered from the hamstring strain, the front-rower was also quick to put to bed any concerns over his fitness.

"Absolutely! I was actually surprised to learn front-rowers have hamstrings, that was a new discovery for me," he said.

"I tweaked my hamstring in South Africa ... but I flew back here to get it right and am looking forward to getting back out there as soon as possible."

"I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead."

Tatafu Polota-Nau

It was a 'tough' tournament for the Wallabies with four losses, including being defeated at home by Argentina, however Polota-Nau was confident the experience had been an educational one.

"It was tough, but very enjoyable to be a part of," Polota-Nau said.

"It also provides lessons in being more accountable ... and how we bounce back from tough results."

When the hooker left Leicester almost two months ago, Matt O'Connor was in the top job at Tigers and since his fellow countryman's departure Geordan Murphy has taken the reins but Polota-Nau is adamant it's business as usual at Oval Park.

"Nothing has changed in terms of the boys preparing mentally and physically," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead."

While away, the front-rower has also watched on from the southern hemisphere as youngster Joe Heyes has made his senior debut and first Twickenham appearance in last weekend's Derby Day win over Saints which Polota-Nau says came as no surprise to him.

"It's good to be see boys taking their opportunities," said Polota-Nau.

"It's a testament to Joe's aptitude to training ... it's no surprise to me that he's retained his spot."

Looking ahead to the opening round of the Heineken Champions Cup, which was the competition Polota-Nau made his Leicester Tigers debut in last season, the Wallabies hooker says it's about sticking to what the squad know to secure victory away to Ulster on Saturday evening.

"We just need to stick to what we do best, retain the ball and starve them from possession," he said.

Watch the full interview with Polota-Nau below on LTTV.