Ian McGeechan

Ian McGeechan praised his hard-working Wasps side after they recorded a ninth Guinness Premiership victory in their last 10 games to win 45-28 at Leeds.

Lawrence Dallaglio signed off his league career by securing a home play-off berth against Bath who lost at Gloucester.

"It was a fantastic performance under the conditions," said McGeechan. "To work as hard and as long as we did really reflects what has happened to us since October when we were 10th in the league."

He added: "We have the smallest squad in this league and it has been a major effort to achieve what we have.

"The play-offs are played at a different level, you have to step up and we have just two more games ahead of us and there are four very big names represented.

"We've had a very punishing schedule towards the end of this season but I know we can go on further. Whoever wins will be the only English club to lift a trophy this season - so there's a lot to play for."

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Stuart Lancaster, who will now head off to join the RFU, hailed his side's losing efforts.

"It was an emotional day - it has been a great occasion," he said.

"Sadly we're relegated but I'm leaving a good set-up here behind.

"The spirit at this club is a great one - my advice to Leeds is to avoid complacency because the National League One is a tough one but we have the resources here to come back."