Leicester Tigers 31 Harlequins 28

Departing hero Simon Keogh reckons he is leaving Harlequins in good health despite a heart-breaking end to the season.

Quins were just four minutes away from a first ever Premiership win at Welford Road and a play-off spot before losing to a late Leicester try on Saturday.

But for Keogh, who is returning to Ireland with Leinster after five years with Quins, just coming that close shows how far Quins have come since relegation to National Division One three years ago.

He said: "We were literally four minutes away. It was a massive effort by everybody and we are very disappointed.

"But there is a lot next year for the lads to build on.

"You can see it is a very tight-knit group of players who work very hard for each other - and that was evident when despite our mid-season slump we regrouped and tightened things up.

"You could see the camaraderie between the lads, and that is essentially what I will really miss. There have been a lot of happy memories.

"Even the season that we went down to National One, the support we got from the crowd and the loyalty they showed was inspirational.

"I really enjoyed that season. It was tough going down for everyone involved at the club, but I think the club came back stronger for that experience."

Quins were leading 28-24 with just a few minutes left thanks to a brace of tries from Tom Williams, plus one each from Mike Brown and Will Skinner, with Chris Malone converting all four.

But Tom Varndell chipped the ball over Brown and won the chase to touch down a last-gasp winning try for Leicester.

For Keogh, who was replaced by De Wet Barry when Quins were 21-17 up, it was not quite the dream send-off he'd hoped for.

He added: "Beating Leicester at their place with a bonus point would have been a massive achievement and a good way to have signed off, but it was not to be.

"I've been at Quins for five seasons and just feel that I need a new challenge, and Dublin is home for me.

"I'm at the stage where I want to settle down back home and do more than just play rugby, although it was a rugby decision to go back.

"I don't really mind where I go as long as I'm playing - same as it was here. I came across as a scrum half and ended up playing on the wing.

"I've really enjoyed my five seasons here and will look upon them fondly. It's hard to say goodbye, but you have to at some stage."

* Quins' Mike Brown, Nick Easter,Danny Care and David Strettle have all been picked for the England squad to tour New Zealand this summer.

Teammates Tom Guest, Chris Robshaw, Will Skinner and Ugo Monye will also be part of the England Saxons Churchill Cup squad.

* Quins have signed Tongan international Epi Taione from Natal Sharks - just as the Chronicle said they would last week.

The former Newcastle and Sale player can play in a number of positions, according to Quins boss Dean Richards.

"Epi is an extremely versatile player, capable of playing at the top level in the forwards at six and eight, and also in the backs at 11, 13 and 14," said Richards.

"He is extremely strong and powerful too."

* Like their union clubmates, Harlequins Rugby League were just four minutes from a famous victory at the weekend.

They led World Club Champions Leeds Rhinos 26-24 in the Challenge Cup thanks to two tries each from Henry Paul and Danny Orr, plus another from Tony Clubb.

But two late tries from GB international duo Danny McGuire and Jamie Peacock won it for Leeds 36-26.