Leicester Tigers hopeful of injured trio returning ahead of next season

A knee injury cut short Manu Tuilagi's 2016/17 season ©PA

Leicester have confirmed that injured trio of Matt Toomua, Manu Tuilagi and Logovi’i Mulipola are in line to return to action soon after making satisfying progress.

Australia centre Toomua made only two appearances last season before undergoing a surgery on his knee that sidelined him for over six months. Tuilagi and Mulipola also suffered knee injuries last season but now all three are nearing full fitness.

Leicester Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor confirmed the news on the trio's fitness.

"Matt Toomua has been back involved with the main group for the first time in a long while," O’Connor said.

"Manu and Logo are also making decent progress and it’ll be good to get them all back fully involved and in contention to play when they are ready."

The majority of the Tigers squad reported for pre-season training last week with the players, who featured in the June internationals having an extended break and O'Connor is pleased with the preparations.

“It’s been really pleasing so far,” said O’Connor. “The guys have come back in good shape and that has given us a great base to work from.

“We’ve brought some new blokes in too and they’ve settled in well and we can all build from here.”

Leicester Tigers begin the 2017/18 season with a clash against Bath Rugby at Welford Road on 3rd September.