Tommy Reffell knows the result away to Worcester in the Premiership Rugby Cup was not good enough, but stopped short of saying there was any worry it was a sign of what was to come this season at Leicester Tigers.

Speaking after the match, Reffell remained positive and said the young side put out by Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy were still happy with elements of their performance against a much more experienced Warriors outfit.

“We obviously would have liked to have pushed them more on the scoreboard,” admitted Reffell.

“But, we know we had a youthful squad out there and felt we played some good rugby today.

“The new attacking shape performed well, we just needed to execute better.”

Not one to enjoy the sunshine at the best of times, the Welsh-born Reffell also paid tribute to the travelling Tigers fans for their support in the opening game of the new campaign.

"It was a weird one, normally all the pre season is in the sun and first game in the rain ... but, it was good for supporters,” he said.

“We have great fans and they turned up today in numbers to cheer on the young squad.”

The Tigers back-rower, who was playing in just his eighth match for the senior team, was also in high praise for the coaching staff for their efforts over the summer in physically preparing the squad for the new season.

Reffell also added that he and his team-mates now know more of what they are capable of on the pitch and are better for the hit out at Sixways Stadium.

“Our fitness levels were a lot better, we all felt that way,” said Reffell.

“We said post match about how we could have gone up a few gears, which is a big change on this time last year.”

Reffell also said the squad was deserving of praise for their commitment to improving after a disappointing 2018/19 season.

“We’re pushing ourselves a lot more and being pushed a lot more,” said the 20-year-old.

“We don’t want to settle, we want to get better each day ... that’s the focus.”

The focus now turns to welcoming Exeter Chiefs to Welford Road, with the match being used as another pre-season fixture as the squad prepares to be in full flight come the opening round of the Gallagher Premiership on October 19.

“We have to look at a few things before Exeter ... and tidy up some defensive structures,” Reffell said.

As for the young back-rower, he is just looking to continue his rise through the ranks of the club and - thankfully - no longer being put through the gruelling sessions pre-season presents.

“Look, I just want to keep playing and showing what I can do out there,” the back-rower said.

“There is only so much training and gym work you can do!”