His first two tries in Leicester Tigers colours helped Lote Tuqiri to forget all about the cold of an English winter on Saturday.

Tigers beat London Wasps 34-8 in the only Guinness Premiership fixture to beat the elements, with Tuqiri grabbing his opening try just after half-time and then adding the bonus-point score on the hour mark in the same corner of the pitch.

“I’ve never played in conditions anything like this before. It is an experience,” said Tuqiri who was born in Fiji but gained his international recognition with Australia, including playing in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final.

“As long as you are getting involved you stay warm. The win with the bonus point makes it a lot easier too.”

Tuqiri opened his Tigers account in his ninth appearance since arriving at the club and the capacity Welford Road crowd loved it.

“I’ve been here a few weeks now and I’m just enjoying playing and being here,” he said.

“I’m feeling more at home as the weeks tick on.

“It makes it easy with a really good squad and after that first try I felt a lot more comfortable and wanted to get involved more around the field.”