Steward wants Leicester to kick on again after their title triumph

FREDDIE Steward wants Leicester to use their Gallagher Premiership title triumph as a springboard for future success, writes Andrew Baldock, PA rugby union correspondent.

Tigers completed one of English rugby’s most memorable revivals by being crowned champions on Saturday after twice flirting with relegation.

Under head coach Steve Borthwick, Tigers reached the summit again after a season when they were top of the table throughout and had an unbeaten Premiership home record.

“The improvement we’ve seen over the last year is really encouraging, and hopefully we can kick on again from here,” said 21-year-old Tigers and England full-back Steward, right.

“I know we’ve won the Premiership, but we are always looking to improve and add to our game. I can’t wait to rip in next season and hopefully do it all again.

“It is so surreal. The journey we’ve been on in the last year, and to be stood here now as

Premiership champions is beyond belief, really.

“We have just taken it game by game and given everything for each other.”

The final five minutes of a pulsating final summed up Leicester’s spirit, as they prevailed after centre Matt Scott had been sin-binned and Owen Farrell kicked a penalty to tie things up and seemingly send the final hurtling towards extra-time.

Steward said: “It was the theme of the season, really, where we are under the pump and we dig in and fight for each other.

“Those last five minutes encapsulated it – the fight, the belief – and we did it.

“We came together, and that is testament to the culture we have built at Leicester.”

Steward, who is now off to Australia for England’s three-Test series, said: “I am just going to take it in and enjoy myself. I am really excited for the next month.”