'It's very important' - Boyd looks ahead to Saints' clash with Tigers

The black, green and gold go into the game on the back of a run of nine defeats from their past 11 games.

But they will be expected to deliver a strong performance at Welford Road, where they have won on their past three league visits.

And Boyd said: "We're really looking forward to it.

"It means as much to the players as to the supporters.

"The Leicester Tigers versus Northampton Saints East Midlands derby is a classic fixture and it's very important to us that we perform well in this game.

"It will be important to them too so it's a restart for both clubs for building for the start of next year.

"It takes on an additional meaning because in the context of this season and the start of next season.

"It's an important fixture."

Leicester suffered their record Premiership defeat on Wednesday, losing 54-7 at Wasps.

And when asked what he is expecting from Tigers, Boyd said: "We're not expecting a lot of surprises.

"We know what they're very good at - they're physical, big, direct, play for territory and they're capable when they get space.

"They're a good side when they get their bits going."