Guy Thompson says he is ‘massively proud’ of Leicester Tigers’ effort in their win over Wasps in Round 15 of the Gallagher Premiership.

The side lost both starting scrum-half Ben White and replacement nine Sam Harrison to injury in the first half, and a backs division reshuffle left flanker Will Evans covering the wing for a large portion of the match.

“That was one hell of a game,” Thompson said, who started his first match since damaging a hand in the 35-24 win over Harlequins in December.

“I think the spectators will have enjoyed that, and I’m massively proud of all the boys today.

“I was on the sidelines for six to eight weeks and the boys will tell you I’m not the best of patients, so it was great to be back here at Welford Road and get one over on Wasps.”

The back-rower, who arrived at Tigers from Midlands rivals Wasps at the start of the season, was also keen to praise the side’s defensive display, after keeping the away side from scoring in the second half.

He continued: “Defence has been a massive point that we’ve been working really hard on, and I think that showed today against a really good Wasps attack.

“A lot of things went against us and we could easily have just folded and blamed the excuses, but we didn’t.

“We got tight, we built a lead at the start of the second half, and clung on for dear life at the end.”

Joe Ford took all of Tigers’ points in the game, including converting his own try early in the second half. The side were battered back to their own line late on in the match where Wasps prop Biyi Alo thought he’d scored, though referee JP Doyle and television match official Sean Davey eventually ruled that the ball had been held up.

“Things are starting to turn,” Thompson added. “We know that we haven’t been a million miles away from a few results.

“The league is hinged on a few decisions at the moment and it was nice that we won this week.

“Hopefully we’ll use that to settle and put in a performance, but Sale away is a hard place to go.”