If hard graft and determination were all it required to be a success, lock forward George Skivington would be right up there.

The former Wasps man, who joined Leicester Tigers in the summer, has had to learn his stuff quicker than most new boys after arriving at Welford Road.

At the club's pre-season training camp near Brive in France, the 27-year-old's bedroom wall was covered in post-it notes, diagrams and instructions as he attempted to get used to the way things were done at his new club.

Not only is Skivington a line-out leader who makes the calls during the game, he has also been thrust straight into a starting role after injuries to fellow second-rowers Geoff Parling (neck), Richard Blaze (foot) and Louis Deacon (back).

The England Saxons skipper is set to start his first competitive game for his new club against Northampton Saints on Sunday.

His likely partnership in the second row with youngster Calum Green is certainly not what most Tigers fans would have expected for tthe start of the defence of their league crown.

But Tigers director of Rugby Richard Cockerill says he has no qualms about throwing them into the red hot atmosphere of Franklin's Gardens on opening day.

"George is 27 and he has lots of experience," said Cockerill. "He has played in teams that have won in Europe and have won the league. He has played at the highest level and is learning his stuff quickly.

"When we were at pre-season in Brive, he had the information up on his wall in his room.

"It was all stuck up so that every time he looked somewhere, he could see it.

"It's difficult as a second-rower coming from a different club but he has done really well and his attitude and his professionalism is second to none.

"Alongside him, Calum Green has got a bit of experience and is a Leicester boy who has come through our Academy. It means a huge amount to him to play for this club.

"Of course we would prefer to have Blaze, Parling and Deacon in but with Calum and George, that is some fall back and they have had a chance to show what they can do.

"I have no issues with either of them and I trust them both to do a good job."