Freddie Steward says there is a “buzz” around Leicester Tigers with head coach Steve Borthwick just a week into his new role.

Teenager Steward has gained experience in senior rugby during 2019/20 and is hoping to stake his claim for selection when the season restarts next month.

Asked about the impact of Borthwick as players moved into the second phase of the return to training, Tigers academy graduate Steward said: “There’s a lot of buzz around with the new appointment. He has been in this week, he has set his vision, he’s clear about what he wants to achieve as a club and pushing us very hard.”

Surgery on a shoulder stalled Steward’s season just before the lockdown but he says he used the timely wisely to work his way back to fitness and it looking forward to what the future holds after agreeing an extension to his contract terms.

“It’s been tough with the lockdown and having time off,” he said. “The onus was on us to maintain fitness, but everyone is back now and I’m feeling positive and in a good place.

“The focus now is on the future and putting the last couple of years behind us. There’s a really good group of lads and a good set-up, and the focus is on getting Tigers back to where it belongs at the top.

“For me it is about working hard and making sure I’m fit so I’m ready to go.”