Pack mentality impresses Grindal

Grindal is Tigers academy product

Leicester Tigers scrum-half James Grindal says playing behind the current pack at Welford Road is a pleasure.

He re-joined Tigers in the summer after seven seasons with Newcastle Falcons.

And although signed as back-up for Harry Ellis, Grindal, 29, has been involved in three of the six games the club have played so far this season.

"One of the big pulls of coming back was playing behind a forward pack that is so well oiled and so well regarded," Grindal told BBC Radio Leicester.

"They are great at the set-piece, the scrummage is the nuts and bolts and line-outs they are out three/four times a week nailing it one after another."

Grindal says last week's battling comeback draw against Ospreys in the Heineken Cup proves the quality and strength of their front .

"It's fantastic to be behind that pack and it was was great on Saturday to be behind another dominant forward performance," Grindal said.

And he is also thrilled to be playing at Welford Road in front of bumper crowds.

He added: "It was my first start against Worcester at home last week and I looked up and saw the Caterpillar Stand and that's when I realised this is special even more so than when I was here a few years ago. The crowd were absolutely fantastic."