Heineken Cup holders London Wasps completed their domination of the 2003/4 season as they were crowned Zurich Premiership champions for the second successive season - to collect their fourth
trophy in two years.
Wasps defended their Premiership crown by beating Bath 10-6 at Twickenham. The win comes less than a week after their amazing 27-20 victory over Toulouse at the same venue to claim the biggest prize in European rugby.
The London side, under the coaching of Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards,
have now collected the two highest status trophies available for the second year in succession, having completed a similar mission last season when they won both the Zurich Premiership and the Parker Pen Challenge Cup.
Their only failing this season came when they were knocked out of England's domestic cup
competition - the Powergen Cup - by Pertemps Bees at the quarter-final stage.
Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio hailed his side after they completed the double.
"We're very proud of what we've done and everyone at Wasps deserves a lot of credit, it is a big achievement, especially because we don't have the huge resources that other clubs have."
"Last week (winning the Heineken Cup) was the cake and this week was the icing on the cake"
And coach Gatland, whose calm determination has been key to the success of the side this season, said he would demand more of the same from his team next term.
"Consistency has been the important thing for us and that is the catchphrase for next year," he said. "There won't be too many changes and we will be tough to beat."
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers have secured their place in next year's Heineken Cup thanks to a convincing 48-27 victory over Sale Sharks in the 2004 Zurich Premiership Wildcard Final at Twickenham.
The twice Heineken Cup champions had struggled in the league all season, and had been fearful of failing to claim their place at Europe's top table. However, a late burst has seen them unbeaten since Dean Richards
departed in February.
