Leicester Tigers fly-half George Ford has talked up the importance of consistency as the squad eye back-to-back European weekends.

The 26-year-old – who re-committed his future to the club last week – played a key role in the bonus-point win over Bristol, notching up his first try of the season and taking 11 more points from the tee.

But as Tigers approach their final two pool games of the European Challenge Cup, starting with Cardiff Blues at Welford Road this Sunday (January 12, 3.15pm), Ford has called for the squad to stay ‘in the rhythm’ off the back of three successive improved performances.

“As a player, all you can ever want is a bit of consistency, back-to-back games to get your rhythm and to get a feel in the game,” the 65-cap England international said.

“Giving the ball to Kyle and Telusa, Jordan [Olowofela] and Jonny – that’s what we want to be doing.

“We want to be dangerous as a team, so it is just putting bits and parts of our game together to be able to do that, because those boys are the sharpest in the world.”

Ford also admitted to a sense of ‘relief’ at opening the New Year with a bonus-point win over Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership.

“I suppose in the position we’ve been in, your home games are massive,” he continued. “We feel like we’ve been improving bit by bit over the last few weeks, but you need that result at the end to back that up.

“There was almost a sense of relief to get the five points and get the win in front of our home fans.

“As long as we can build little by little, which I believe we have in the last four weeks, then we can start to make our way back up the league, and I’m excited to contribute to that.”

Domestic duties will be shelved for the next fortnight, though, as attentions turn to Round 5 and 6 of the Challenge Cup – with Tigers looking to defend their unbeaten record in the competition, and consolidate top spot in their group.

Ford added: “You put yourself in the position to do well on the weekend by training well in the week.

“We understand where we’re at as a team and as a club, and we understand it’s not going to be an overnight solution.

“I’m excited to contribute to that, and my job is to be the best player I can be for this club and this team – it’s never about one individual, it’s about the bigger cause.”

Secure your place at Tigers’ European clash with Cardiff Blues from just £24 for adults and £11 for junior supporters.

Match tickets are available from the Tigers ticket office at Welford Road, on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) and online using the buttons below.