Flood: Believes loss to Exeter could be pivotal

The Tigers host Worcester of Friday knowing a bonus point victory would take them above Saracens and into second place.

Since losing 19-11 to Exeter in mid-February, Leicester have reeled off four successive league wins, amassing 139 points by seeing off Saracens, Newcastle, Gloucester and London Irish.

"Our loss at Exeter was a big moment," Flood said.

"We sat down on the Monday after that game and looked at how we could make things better.

"As players, we took ownership of the situation we were in, obviously with some guidance from Cockers (rugby director Richard Cockerill).

"There were things we needed to fix, and since then we have knuckled down and been more successful."

A home game in the play-offs is now Leicester's clear target, although after tackling Worcester two of their last three regular league season games are away against leaders Harlequins and fourth-placed Northampton.

"We have won the LV= Cup, we are in the top three in the Premiership and we are looking for a home play-off if we can get one to reach an eighth straight Premiership final," Flood added.

"As a club we want to be successful, and that includes Europe as well, and we know you always have to keep improving."