Moody, sidelined for four months in February with a ruptured Achilles tendon, has had an operation to remove bone spurs from his hip and repair damaged cartilage.

"The hip was something that needed doing at some point and now was the perfect time because I'm off any way," he said.

"It's bit sore but my movement is fine. I'm aiming to be back and in better shape than ever in September.

"It's frustrating at the moment because I can't really do any cardiovascular fitness, not even swimming in case the wounds get infected, so I'm fully applying myself to the strength training I can do.

"I desperately want to get back playing for Leicester again so I can push for selection with England and a place on next year's Lions tour to South Africa."