Leicester Tigers Women: Vicky Macqueen backs squad's 'next job mentality'

Vicky Macqueen was named head of women's rugby at Leicester Tigers when the club established its women's and girls' rugby programme in July 2021

Leicester Tigers boss Vicky Macqueen says the squad's "next job mentality" will stand them in good stead in Premiership Women's Rugby.

The Tigers were beaten 44-27 by Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road on Sunday in their opening match in the top flight.

However, they ran in four tries, the first by England's Meg Jones, who made a sparkling league debut.

"We've got a great culture in our squad and we're only going to get better each week," said Macqueen.

"They've got that next job mentality, they just want to get better individually for the squad."

The Tigers women's team was only formed in 2021, but were only 15-10 down at the break against the runners-up from last season's Premier 15s competition.

Macqueen told BBC Radio Leicester: "I'm super proud, we absolutely competed at the top level with the finest from last year.

"We're a sustainable programme and for us it's just about moving forwards.

"Most of their tries were through driving mauls, that's just a little bit off detail in our defence. I think the scoreline should have potentially been a bit closer."

Jones, who kicked two conversions and a penalty to go with her try, joined Leicester following previous spells with Bristol and Wasps.

Although born in Wales, she has 12 caps for England and Macqueen said: "She's been phenomenal, she's been a ball of energy since she came into the squad.

"She's a maverick round the field, she makes good decisions, she brings everyone with her.

"We're just really excited that she's here, that she's here to stay, and she's already having an influence on the younger players as well."

Leicester are away to Gloucester-Hartpury in their second game at Kingsholm on Saturday.