Skipper Geordan Murphy believes the new faces at Leicester Tigers have settled in superbly but says the true test will come when the season gets under way.

"It takes a special player to buy into the club ethos and the guys have done that," he told BBC East Midlands Today.

"Off the field the guys have made a huge effort to integrate themselves but who knows how the spirit is, I suppose the first few games will show that."

Tigers kick off their season away against Sale Sharks on Friday.

Murphy added: "The existing members of the squad have been pretty good in handing out a lot of abuse which is always pretty good for morale as well. Things are going alright."

Cockers did a fantastic job in the second part of last season Tigers skipper Geordan Murphy

Centres Anthony Allen and Billy Twelvetrees, scrum-half James Grindal, fly-half Jeremy Staunton as well as hooker Joe Duffey, prop Robbie Harris and lock Geoff Parling have all joined the Tigers this season.

But full-back Murphy said the experience and quality within the squad means his role as captain has not needed to be too hands on.

"The squad is experienced enough to run itself and I don't really have to do a whole lot," he explained.

"As a senior player you have to keep an eye on the younger guys and help them where possible but the guys coming through are fantastic players.

"Some of these guys have got great skills and I'm sure we won't have to do a great deal with them this season."

And Murphy believes the Tigers will continue to go from strength to strength in their first full season under head coach Richard Cockerill.

"Cockers has done a great job," Murphy said. "He did a fantastic job in the second part of last season and hopefully that consistency will carry into this season."

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