Leicester Tigers back-rower Tommy Reffell says his side can draw on the experience of their gritty win in Cardiff when they face a return fixture on Sunday (January 12, 3.15pm).
The Wales Under-20s star missed November’s European Challenge Cup win over the Cardiff Blues with injury, but is raring to go in Round 5 this weekend.
And, after a block of three Gallagher Premiership games culminated in a bonus-point win over Bristol last weekend, Reffell explained how two rounds of European action will serve as the perfect platform for Geordan Murphy’s men to continue their upward curve.
“The boys put in one hell of a defensive shift when we went down there,” he said, when asked about the 14-11 win over Tigers’ Pool 5 rivals.
“I know from playing on that pitch myself, it’s a really fast track and the boys did well to stop them win limited points.
“We want to keep improving ourselves over the next two games, and we’ll be able to kick on from that.
“We’re always trying to keep growing our game, we want to take that win against Bristol and keep the ball moving, so to speak, and see how far we can go with it.”
The 20-year-old lines up in a back row alongside fellow Tigers Academy graduate Sam Lewis plus summer signing Jordan Coghlan for Sunday’s match, in what will mark Reffell’s 16th appearance of the season so far.
He admitted feeling a duty to repay the faith shown in him by the coaching team in what is quickly becoming a breakthrough campaign for the young forward.
“The coaches have shown a lot of faith in me this season,” he continued. “I want to repay them by playing well on the pitch.
“There are a load of boys in the back row all adding something different this season, and there are some top quality boys around the changing rooms.
“They’re not just helping my rugby, but we can have a good laugh together as well – and I’m really enjoying being in amongst the boys on the pitch.
“As a No7, I want to lead the way in terms of the defensive effort from the team.”
Match tickets for Sunday’s match are now available from £26 for adults and £13 for Under-18s. Secure your place in person at the Tigers ticket office, on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or online using the buttons below.
