Spain worth the pain for Slater

we have managed games. That’s why you have seen up-and-down performances.

“I’m an ex-Leicester forward, I’m always pragmatic, and what has hurt us is playing too many phases in our own half. In the final I don’t think we will be overplaying and forcing things.”

The second row has quickly developed into a key figure for Gloucester after the size-for-speed transfer with Jonny May last summer, which saw him exit Welford Road after seven years.

Leicester have spent much of the intervening period bemoaning their lack of grunt in the second row and back row that, prolific as May has been for the Tigers, begs the question which club got the better deal. “I guess it’s a little ironic but I’ve too many mates there to harbour ill feelings. I will always have a soft spot for them,” said Slater.

“It has been difficult, I’m not going to lie. Our third child arrived in March and it did take a while to settle in but we have got a nice place in Cheltenham and the family are now settled.”

After Gloucester’s Premiership campaign fizzled out with a home defeat by Bath followed by a humping at Saracens last weekend, tomorrow night offers the chance to join Harlequins as the most successful club in the tournament’s history with a third triumph.

“The reality is the intensity of the Challenge Cup isn’t as high as the Champions Cup but I’m fully expecting the intensity of the final to be huge,” said Slater.

“Cardiff are a dangerous side, they are pretty relentless. They are going to be very difficult to play against.

“The last couple of weeks have been disappointing but the fans are all dead excited about the final and, after the last couple of weeks, it would be a good statement to win it and bring that trophy home.”

RELEGATED London Irish have signed Northampton stalwart Stephen Myler.

We won’t be overplaying things in the final