Leicester and England fly-half Toby Flood hopes to return to action in the LV= Cup after six months out following surgery on his ruptured left Achilles.
Flood warmed up with the rest of the squad before the game against South Africa at Welford Road last Friday.
The 24-year-old told BBC Radio Leicester: "Obviously it's been difficult while I've been out, six months is not a nice length of injury.
"But it was really good to get amongst the boys last weekend."
Flood suffered the lower leg injury in the Heineken Cup semi-final win over Blues in early May, but if things go to plan in training, he could be on the bench to face Newport Gwent Dragons on Saturday.
"You're aware of the challenge against you because there are so many quality players around"
He said: "I think every Saturday was a dark time, watching the boys run out, but I think there are always dark times during a long injury.
"Having a good team around you and the support of everybody has made it pretty easy."
The Tigers will also have Sam Vesty back in the next couple of weeks and, with Jeremy Staunton starting the season at number 10, Flood knows he has to compete for a starting place.
He said: "Of course, you want to get back but you're aware of the challenge against you because there are so many quality players around."
You can hear full match commentary of Leicester Tigers v Newport Gwent Dragons on BBC Radio Leicester 104.9FM, DAB and online at bbc.co.uk/leicester
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