Leicester Tigers lock Harry Wells says the effort of the young side who travelled to Cardiff in the European Challenge Cup is ‘massive’ for the whole squad.

And the Tigers Academy graduate – one of 13 included in Saturday’s matchday squad in the win away to the Blues – explained that the physicality on show in the Welsh capital is just the tip of the iceberg.

“Physicality is a mental thing, and I think that’s going to become even more of a ‘non-negotiable’ for us,” he said.

“We’re talking about being tough and getting back to what Tigers are renowned for being, and that ruthlessness, especially away from home, is going to put us in good stead moving forwards.

“You can’t fault the effort of these young players. They all gave 100 per cent.

“The endeavour was massive, and I felt we were pretty relentless in everything that we brought to the game. The young lads can be really proud of what they’ve done.”

With the Tigers cubs complemented by a number of senior players – including Wells, Guy Thompson and Rugby World Cup prop Ellis Genge – the 26-year-old added that the momentum afforded by two European wins on the bounce will benefit the whole club ahead of their return to domestic action this weekend.

Tigers travel to Northampton for Round 5 of the Gallagher Premiership this Saturday (November 30, 3.00pm).

“Regardless of the team which is picked for Saturday, momentum is massive for us,” he continued.

“We will be doing everything we can with our opportunity to build on this momentum, and help us get back into that ‘winning habit’. For me, that’s really exciting.”