Rob Howely today relived the moment when he won the Heineken Cup for Wasps, and declared: "This is beyond my wildest dreams."
Former Wales captain Howley pounced in the closing stages of a gripping Twickenham final which ended with Wasps defeating reigning European champions Toulouse 27-20.
In the process, they emulated Bath, Northampton and Leicester as English Heineken Cup champions
Howley capitalised on a glaring defensive blunder by Clement Poitrenaud, chasing up his own kick and touching down while the Toulouse full-back vainly willed the ball into touch.
The try came as overwhelming confirmation of Howley's worth to Wasps, with the London club set to sign England World Cup scrum-half Matt Dawson next term while Howley recovers from wrist surgery. Describing his moment of glory, Howley said: "It was a kick to nothing. But the longer it stayed in play, the more intent I was to put pressure on.
"Poitrenaud hesitated and I took the opportunity. I was unsure whether it was a try and whether I had downward pressure, but I won't forget it for a long time.
"It means everything. I am just fortunate to be playing in a very good side.
"The last two years, since I joined Wasps, have been beyond my wildest dreams. I have been part of a side that has achieved greatness - I never expected it, but we grasped our opportunity."
