Wasps don't do sentiment: Dallaglio's farewell is nothing to us says Lewsey

Lewsey, arguably the best wing/full-back in the country despite his recent non-selection for England, recoils at the suggestion that the current swarm of Wasps will be out to make it a great day at Twickenham for Captain Lol or Fraser Waters, another veteran making his farewell appearance.

In your face: Lewsey during the semi-final win for Wasps over Bath

The former artillery officer barks: "With respect, this game has nothing to do with Lawrence Dallaglio's retirement. Wasps don't do sentiment. Lawrence knows he has to be out there playing as well as the rest of us. It doesn't matter if it's his last match.

"We have to be on the top of our game to beat a resurgent Leicester, that's what counts.

"This bunch of players always believed we could win the Premiership. Even when we came back from the World Cup and were struggling in 10th position, we still believed we could do it."

Ultimately, Wasps fought their way up to second in the table, beating Bath 21-10 in a dramatic semi-final - but not before Lewsey had dropped the ball behind his own try line, allowing Bath the first try.

Lewsey admits: "It was an awful feeling. I just didn't expect us to try to run it from there! I took the pass and it just slipped. But you make mistakes, you have to get over it."

From that point on, Wasps took control of the semi despite injuries to fly-half Danny Cipriani (ankle) and wing Tom Voyce (shoulder), who both miss tomorrow's season finale.

Just Joshing: ex-soldier Lewsey has no fear of Tigers

Lewsey, with World Cup, Heineken Cup and Premiership medals already in the trophy cupboard, admits: "There's been no break since the World Cup, it's been a long haul. But we've got to where we want to get to, the pinnacle of the game.

"There is no better club competition in the world than the Premiership . . . it's going to be some game."

For Lewsey, a summer of rebuilding will follow. Though he fell out of favour with former England head coach Brian Ashton after the World Cup in France last year, Lewsey was called by new boss Martin Johnson to join next month's trip to New Zealand.

Lewsey, 31, with 55 England caps, admits: "I just felt I really needed a break. I've got some niggles. The achilles for one. I've got to rest up, be fresh for next season.

"Will I play for England again? That's not up to me. That's up to other people. I will just play for my club and see what happens. I've really enjoyed this season, not so much of that travelling about.

"We'll see what happens with England and the Lions next season. I just want to be fresh for the start of the new season." 

Josh is an ambassador for Maximuscle, (the UK's leading sports nutrition company). Visit www.Maximuscle.com to learn more about Josh's unique diet and training regime.