Leicester Tigers have welcomed their international players back at the Oval Park training base ahead of Saturday’s Aviva Premiership trip to Wasps.

Dan Cole, Ellis Genge, George Ford, Jonny May and Ben Youngs were involved in the England squad during the autumn international period, with all five playing a part in the win over Samoa last Saturday before returning to club duty.

“The internationals have come back well from the three-Test window,” said Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor. “They’ve been back into training and they’re looking forward to be involved with the club again.

“You want your players involved in international rugby because it is the pinnacle, they learn so much and get so much better. They‘ve all made a contribution over the last few weeks.

“The England boys are back in, Luke Hamilton is back in the environment from the Scotland squad and Tongan guys are back. It’s good to have them all here with a big part of the season to come.”

O’Connor has also confirmed that hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will join his new team-mates shortly at the end of his tour commitments with Australia.