Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw was delighted after the club claimed their maiden Aviva Premiership title.
Quins skipper leads side to long-awaited title
Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw was delighted to repay the supporters who stuck by the club during relegation and the Bloodgate scandal with the Aviva Premiership title.
Robshaw produced an inspirational performance at Twickenham to be named man of the match as Harlequins defeated Leicester 30-27 to be crowned champions of England for the first time.
It has been a remarkable journey for Harlequins, who have risen from the wreckage of the biggest scandal to hit English rugby to champions in the space of three years.
"The fans gave us a guard of honour coming in and it was emotional for myself and the other players, who have been at the club for eight years now," Robshaw said.
"Of course we have had our highs and lows, a bit of drama. It is nice to repay them."
Tom Williams, who had sparked the scandal when he bit on a fake blood capsule in the 2009 Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster, scored Harlequins' opening try.
Robshaw barged over the for the second try and Nick Evans kicked 20 points as Harlequins opened a 30-13 lead and then withstood a late Tigers comeback.
Rise
Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea has overseen the club's rise, which included winning last year's Amlin Challenge Cup and notable away victories at Munster and Toulouse.
Quins topped the league from the third week of the regular season and they completed a deserved win against Leicester, with Danny Care and Joe Marler among their outstanding players.
O'Shea paid tribute to the foundations that Dean Richards laid before he left the club under a cloud to serve a three-year ban for Bloodgate.
"A couple of years ago this team said it wanted to create a different chapter in Quins history," O'Shea reflected.
"It is a massive tribute to Dean, for putting so many of the structures in place, and a lot of people at the club including the owners.
"It's a very special day for the club. I'm so proud of the effort of those players."
O'Shea's first move on his arrival at Harlequins was to appoint Robshaw as his captain. It was an inspired move.
This year, Robshaw has captained England, been voted Premiership player of the year and today lifted the league trophy after delivering a man of the match performance.
O'Shea believes Robshaw can lead Harlequins to greater things in the years to come.
"Chris epitomises what the club is about," O'Shea said. "He doesn't get ahead of himself, he is ultra competitive.
"Good teams win, great teams kick on. This group of players, because of the type of person Robbo is, won't be allowed to rest on their laurels.
"I am delighted for him."
