Matt Toomua says he feels like he is starting his Leicester Tigers career again after returning from injury and he is excited to count down the days to the season-opener against Bath Rugby on Sunday.

After just two appearances in his debut season due to injury, Australia international Toomua returned to action in the pre-season games against Treviso and Ospreys, and is now in line for a competitive return when the Aviva Premiership season opens at Welford Road this weekend.

“It’s a bit like ‘Tigers Tale 2’ for me after last season,” Toomua said. “It’s great to get back out on the field.

“It was good to get a first game out of the way and have something to build on. I was a bit lost in that first game against Treviso but felt a lot better on Friday.

“I’m very excited now looking forward to the new season, It’s been a long time coming.

“It’ll be great to kick off again, with a big crowd in.”

Toomua scored one of the tries in the win over the Ospreys and gained valuable gametime after recovering from a knee injury.

“We did some good things on Friday and scored some good tries – it is a lot easier when there is so much quality around you.

“I had a heavy foot for the try – I belted it and I wanted to run just so it looked like I’d tried hard but then the ball sat up and I had to go for it! Fortunately I got there just in time. I’ll take it.

It was good to have a full pre-season. It is probably a silver lining on that, having a full pre-season with no rush to it. Hopefully that will allow me to keep building. It was nice to be out there again and not be in a suit on matchday! It’s nice to get out on the field.”