Leicester Tigers fly-half George Ford has labelled Friday night’s European Rugby Challenge Cup final against Montpellier at Twickenham Stadium as “the next step” on the English club’s “journey”.

“It’s just where we’re at right now as a team,” he told LTTV. “All it is is an opportunity up until Friday night at eight o’clock and we’ll see where we’re at at the end of it.

“The most pleasing thing is the improvements we’ve made; we can see it, we can feel it. This is just another big game for us, the next step.”

The 77-Test half-back will be passing on the experience he has gained through playing for England at the stadium to those who have never been there before, as he admitted it does require some minor “tactical” changes.

“We’ve spoken about Twickenham,” he said “It is a bit different in terms of the size of the pitch more than anything.

“There are some tactical things in and around that, playing at Twickenham … all those things that come with it. I just want the boys, every single one of us, to be ready and up for it.”

After being criticised earlier in the season for deficiencies in attack, Ford feels Leicester are now a greater threat going forward.

“I think we’re looking more dangerous,” the 28-year-old said. “Attack is always the part of the game that takes the longest to develop and we had to get some foundations in place before that … and now we’re adding in some more layers from an attack point of view.”

However, Ford realises they will have their hands full against a Montpellier side who staged an immense defensive effort to win 19-10 at Bath Rugby in the semi-finals.

“You’re aware they are a team full of quality players with internationals across the board,” he said. “They’re on a great run themselves … they’re playing some really good stuff.

“We’ll see the best of them, I am sure of it, particularly because it’s a final. We have got to be ready for that.”