Howard pride as Tigers roar

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The Tigers, who claimed the EDF Energy Cup last month, destroyed Gloucester 44-16 in a seven-try rout to lift their first Guinness Premiership title since 2002.

Howard, who is leaving Welford Road to return to Australia at the end of the season, said: "It was a very good performance, there were some lovely tries, and to repeat that next week will be a massive challenge now."

Leicester surged into a 22-6 half-time lead with tries from scrum-half Frank Murphy, man of the match Alesana Tuilagi and captain Martin Corry.

And there was no respite after the interval as the Tigers added four more from Andy Goode, Tuilagi again, Shane Jennings and Lewis Moody.

"This victory is fantastic for the club. I am very happy for all involved," added Howard.

"This one was about the squad. Our England players have probably played less than half the Premiership games, so this was for the likes of Michael Holford, Frank Murphy and Ian Humphreys, those not necessarily in the front line but who have been playing week in and week out."

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan was full of praise for his young side for topping the regular season table and reaching the Premiership final, insisting: "The journey does not end here.

"This side is 12 months old - I can't hide how proud I am.

"This side will get better. We have had a good dose of reality that we are not good enough to win this type of competition. But we have also had a massive indicator that this side is moving in the right direction."