Dallaglio bows out at top

Lawrence Dallaglio's final match for London Wasps was a deserving way to bow out.

He will not be saying goodbye to Wasps as he starts his new role as associate director at the club next season. But for 81,600 fans it was one more chance to pay homage to the gladiator leaving his arena. This giant of the game just does not know how to go out quietly.

Winning the Guinness Premiership title at Twickenham was the right way to finish a magnificent playing career. It put the seal on his unrivalled success at Wasps during the last eighteen years.

The 35-year-old has won the lot during his love affair with the club. Two Heineken Cups and five domestic titles reflects the golden relationship between him and Wasps.

Dallaglio has openly admitted he is not the most talented player around. But his strength of character, the ability to cope with adversity, has seen him surpass so many more gifted individuals.

His personality has guided club and country to the highest honours. His leadership has galvanised others when all has seem lost. And his will to win has rubbed off on teammates as Wasps recovered from the lower depths of the Guinness Premiership all the way to Saturday's historic occasion.

advertisementThroughout the build up to the final and after the champagne had flown, Dallaglio always insisted it was not all about him. And his dedication of the victory to the retiring broadcaster Alastair Hignell, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was a brilliant gesture.

Wasps are an all conquering team on the pitch but cleary have plenty of work to complete off it. A new stadium and better facilities are just two of the targets they are starting to focus on. With Dallaglio leading the way you get the feeling the job will get done.

Dallaglio has left his legacy on the sport and it is one which will never be forgotten.