Luke Hamilton says the Leicester Tigers squad will go into Saturday’s European Champions Cup game at home to Castres Olympique in positive mood despite defeat in the competition’s opening fixture in Paris last weekend.
Tigers picked up a point in a 22-18 defeat to Racing 92 in Pool 4 and now face the second half of a French double at Welford Road.
Although disappointed by defeat in Round 1, back-rower Hamilton said: “We just need to get back and prepare with a positive mindset for Castres arriving at Welford Road.
“The boys are excited about getting back to Welford Road to play European rugby there and now there is only one option – we have to win.”
Hamilton gave Tigers a positive start in Paris with a try in the opening minutes of the game and was at the heart of the team’s work in defence in denying the hosts a bonus-point win after three first-half tries.
“We had chances in the game to win it and in Europe you don’t get many and you’ve got to take them,” he said.
“We know that in Europe away wins make a massive difference, so we’re disappointed in ourselves. I think we just need to be more accurate and have better discipline.
“There’s plenty to work on and we just need to keep that positive mindset going in to the Castres game.”
Tigers against Castres is a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday and tickets are on general sale now. Book in person at Welford Road, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) (office is open 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Saturday) or book online any time.
