Tom Hudson talks fans, mental strength and more in his reaction to the tough loss to an experienced Saracens side at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

"First and foremost, I want to make sure I thank every single supporter for showing up and sticking with us, despite travel difficulties and terrible weather. Their support kept us fighting in that match so a huge thanks to them," said the Leicester Tigers Head Coach. 

Tigers conceded four tries in the first-half, which also included a red card to Tahlia Brody, to see them trail by 26 points at the break.

Looking back on the game, Hudson said: "We made it difficult for ourselves early on, starting way too slow."

"The conditions meant that the game only allowed for contact skills; it was too wet to fling the ball around, it was too windy to kick and the wind and wet affected set piece to the point where they were slipping in scrums and the accuracy of the line out wasn't there."

On the 21st-minute removal of Brody, he added: "The red card came at a difficult point for us and it could easily have meant we folded but it actually galvanised us."

Despite the defeat, Hudson was complimentary of his playing group for their mental strength in challenging conditions.

"I have never, ever, doubted the mentality that these girls have. I said to the girls at half time 'these are scenarios we embrace'," he said.

"We don't feel sorry for ourselves, we get on with it. The second half speaks for itself, we could have let them run away with it but we dug our heels in."    

Attention now turns to the trip to Twickenham on December 28, as part of a double header against Harlequins in their annual 'Big Game' at Allianz Stadium.

"The squad now have a week off to rest up and recover after a tough few weeks of games," said Hudson.

"It's vital they enjoy this time, whilst still having one eye on rugby requirements, in order to come back refreshed for our two weeks of training prior to our visit to Allianz Stadium.

"The Big Game is a big opportunity for the team and we want to make sure we give the best possible account of ourselves."