George Ford believes Leicester Tigers did not make the most of the momentum they earned in the fightback against Montpellier, which fell short at Twickenham on Friday night.

Speaking post-match, a dejected Ford admitted he and his Leicester team-mates must be better on the big stage but was proud of the way they worked their way back in to the battle.

“They’re started the game better than us, then we worked our way back in to the match and got ourselves ahead before we gave them a few opportunities, which they took,” said Ford.

“There are stages in games where you can feel momentum shift and you need to maximise that time. We did a lot of good things but we’re not consistent enough at the moment in that area, which we need to improve."

“We’ve played in some big games against Champions Cup teams, who have come down, and it’s taught us a lot. We’ll definitely learn and be better after this season’s European campaign.”

The Tigers fly-half was also quick to praise to the Leicester pack, who he is enjoying playing behind.

“The forwards got us back in to the game, they were great tonight,” he said.

“They work incredibly hard every day, it’s a pleasure to play in behind this Tigers pack.”

Back playing in front of supporters on English-turf for the first time in a Tigers shirt in fourteen months, Ford was pleased to back sharing matchday with the Leicester faithful.

“It was, honestly, brilliant to have an atmosphere again at a game,” Ford said.

“I’ve missed it, it’s great to have them back and we’ve been lucky to have their support from afar for a year and will hopefully get even more back in soon.”