Tigers fly-half Toby Flood is stretchered from the field during his side's pre-season victory over Ulster on Saturday © Getty Images

Enlarge

Leicester Tigers have been handed a major injury scare on the eve of the new Premiership season with fly-half Toby Flood having been stretchered off during their pre-season clash with Ulster at Welford Road on Saturday.

The Leicester Mercury reports that the 28-year-old England playmaker was struck in the face as the result of a challenge by Ulster lock Dan Tuohy in the early stages of the Tigers' 30-10 victory. The Irishman was subsequently sent to the sin-bin for the challenge while Flood remained motionless during a 12-minute stoppage as he received treatment and his injury was assessed.

Flood reportedly left the ground with an oxygen mask strapped to his face having been placed into an ambulance at the side of the pitch. His last appearance for the Tigers, last season's Premiership final at Twickenham, also ended prematurely due to injury after being concussed by a tackle by Northampton's Courtney Lawes.

The club are yet to release a statement on the severity of Flood's injury but assistant coach Paul Burke confirmed he was taken to hospital where he was conscious and going through standard medical checks.

"He was taken straight to hospital but has come around," Burke said. "I believe he took a blow to the head and they have a protocol which took place, then they took him to hospital as a precaution. "They are doing all the necessary stuff at the moment. We will keep you updated."

He added: "I am not aware of any blood (from the incident). He took a direct blow to the head but we will have to have a look at the incident again. It's too early to put any time frame on the injury. We will get the advice from the medics and take it from there."

The player has since taken to Twitter where he posted a picture of himself in hospital with a cut and swelling visible above his left eye. He appeared to play down the significance of the injury and be in good spirits with the following comment accompanying the image: "How's everyone else's day going?"

New Tigers signing Ryan Lamb stepped into the void and was a key presence as the hosts warmed up for their Premiership season-opener against Worcester Warriors next Sunday with an impressive victory over a side they face in the pool stages of the Heineken Cup.

How's everyone else's day going? pic.twitter.com/Arl6HnU8fb

— Toby Flood (@tobyflood) August 31, 2013