Harlequins wary of Tigers mauling

The introduction of the play-offs has ensured the final league weekend has huge significance for London Wasps, Saracens and London Irish.

Harlequins are the only capital side certain to miss out on the end-of-season bonanza which starts on 29 April.

However, Quins will be the centre of attention on Saturday when they provide the opposition for champions Leicester in their final home league match of the regular season at Welford Road.

The Tigers will show off the league trophy to their adoring fans to ensure a wild atmosphere.

For Quins, the final weeks of the campaign will be dominated by their European Shield semi-final with Newcastle at Leeds on 22 April, but Leicester will not give them an easy ride.

The Tigers are still smarting from the Tetley's Bitter Cup defeat they suffered at The Stoop.

Jason Leonard, the England and Quins prop, said: "This is going to be a difficult afternoon for us because it's Leicester's big party day in front of a packed house and we are the team that knocked them out of the cup.

"I think there could be a few scores to be settled."

While Quins will be attempting to steer clear of injury in the build-up to that Shield semi-final, London's other three clubs are desperate for victories to ensure they have a big say in the play-off schedule.

Wasps need only to draw at Sale to clinch second place in the Premiership ahead of Bath. Their recent form should be good enough to nullify England flyer Jason Robinson and a home side that are hanging on to eighth spot - the final play-off qualification place.