Matt Scott admits there is plenty of excitement among he and his Leicester teammates as the knockout stages of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership begins.

The Tigers centre also believes there is no reason to focus on a final round defeat to Harlequins, as is the usual way at the club whatever the result.

Speaking about Saturday’s defeat, Scott said: “We were disappointed to come away without a win, obviously, it’s never nice to lose.”

“But, there was plenty in that performance to be proud of; a man down for most of the game and showing some pretty good fight in that sense was good to see.”

Scott said there would be no hangover from a final round defeat, which the Leicester centre said is no different to the approach adopted every week by the Tigers squad.

“You just have to move on and look at the next game,” he said.

“It’s no different to any other game, win or lose, it’s about getting as best prepared for what’s next.

“We don’t dwell on any result, we get straight into what is ahead of us and that is Sale Sharks on Sunday in a semi-final.”

With just four sides remaining in this season’s competition, Scott admitted there was plenty of excitement within the group ahead of the semi-final.

“Knockout rugby is always exciting and we are looking forward to the test on Sunday against a Sale Sharks side who have been exceptional all season,” said Scott.

“There is always a bit more around the place in these weeks, you definitely know there is something else riding on the game and it creates a special mood.”

Discussing Sunday’s match and the opposition, he added: “They have a big, physical pack who want to get in your face and play their way.”

“Then they have some pretty brilliant half-backs, one we know very well in George [Ford], and some excellent backs who can play the game a number of ways.

“There are threats throughout their side and at their home ground, they will be looking to keep their record going with a big performance on Sunday afternoon.”