Hazell is determined to show just who is the daddy

All that is left for the 29-year-old forward is to help exorcise the ghosts of Twickenham, 2003. Gloucester finished top of the league with room to spare but were battered by Wasps in the first season that the play-off final was used to decide the champions of England.

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In the Cherry-and-White corner of the West Country, there was a burning sense of injustice.

Four years on, Hazell is one of the few survivors of that depressing episode and he is doing more than his fair share to wipe out the grim memory.

On Saturday, the openside flanker was outstanding as Gloucester routed Saracens to earn a place in the Premiership final against Leicester - defending tenaciously, providing energetic, astute support in attack and winning ball at the break-down.

Hazell embodies the Gloucester ethos, so it was no wonder that his exploits were rewarded before kick-off.

He said: "The Player of the Season award was voted for by the season ticket-holders, so it's nice to have the backing of the fans. It's very humbling for me. I put my body on the line so it's great that is recognised.

"I'm a Gloucester lad so I know what I would pay to see - 100 per cent commitment. That is what the fans like so I always give everything - throwing myself around."

He did that and more in the course of his team's latest victory - setting up one try and scoring another.

But it is his efforts when the opposition have the ball that have really caught the eye. There are a lot of players making a lot of hits in the Premiership but Hazell has topped the lot.

"Our team manager told us that I was the top tackler in the Premiership, just ahead of Pete Buxton," he said.

"Me and Pete have had a lot of banter about it. Whenever I am injured, he says, 'I'll catch up with you now'. We haven't had a bet on it but I wish we had now!

"I worked hard this season with Denis Betts on my tackling technique and I suppose it's quite an achievement to make more than 200 tackles in a season. It's weird - I would rather make a load of good tackles than score tries."

On Saturday, he will confront another in-form, multipurpose openside - Tigers' No 7, Shane Jennings.

Anyone looking for a duel that will hold the key to the final should home in on the scrap between Hazell and the uncapped Irishman.

Hazell said: "I've played against Shane a few times and he is a very good, intelligent No 7. He does everything. He is very strong in defence and a potent force in attack, which was obvious when he scored against Llanelli a few weeks ago."

Later this month Hazell goes to South Africa with a depleted England squad knowing he has an opportunity to make a late charge for a World Cup place.

A tally of just six caps do not reflect his ability but he feels ready to make a belated impression at Test level.

He said: "I'm coming into my prime. I got married last summer and we've just had a baby girl - Alana. Everything in my life is settled, which helps.

"I didn't expect to be going on the England tour. I've been upset before so I don't worry about it any more. But if I get a chance to play, I will just try to relax and give it my best shot."