Wasps 26-16 Leicester: Lawrence Dallaglio got the send-off he wanted when the Wasps team he has served for 18 years out-muscled and out-kicked great rivals Leicester to win the English Premiership final 26-16 at Twickenham today.
Wasps captain and England World Cup winner Dallaglio bowed out after his team once again proved themselves masters of the play-off system.
The newly-crowned champions made it four league titles in six seasons, ending arch-rivals Leicester's hopes of successfully defending the crown they won a year ago.
But Wasps were made to fight every inch of the way in front of an 81,600 world record club crowd after Tigers tries by wing Tom Varndell and scrum-half Harry Ellis during a six-minute spell threatened to wipe out a 17-point interval deficit.
Wasps had stormed clear through touchdowns by flanker Tom Rees and wing Josh Lewsey, while full-back Mark Van Gisbergen weighed in with five successful kicks.
Van Gisbergen finished with 16 points - in stark contrast to goalkicking opponent Andy Goode, who slotted just two from six attempts.
After the game Dallaglio was eager to share the spotlight.
"We've deflected all talk of sentiment," he said on Sky Sports. "I was very wary that today was about Wasps as a club.
"Today was not about me, it was a wonderful team effort and wonderful squad effort and I'd like to thank everyone for turning up.
"This win is testament to all the staff, players, coaches and fans of this great club. We're not blessed with the greatest of resources but we have heart and soul.
"This is a club, like Leicester, that does everything it can for England rugby. We were both very depleted after the World Cup but came back. You feel it is one of your greatest achievements; to come from 10th in the table round about Christmas time was a great effort."
Scorers:
Wasps:
Tries: Tom Rees, Josh Lewsey; Conversions: Mark van Gisbergen
(2); Penalties: van Gisbergen (4)
Leicester:
Tries: Tom Varndell, Harry Ellis;
Penalties: Andy Goode (2)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Attendance: 81,600
