"Our league season still has another 80 minutes to run and there is an opportunity to secure a place in Europe for next season.

"The fact that a good result for our visitors could put them into the play-off frame adds another factor to what is already a massive fixture for us.

"There is a huge amount of talent in the Tigers squad. The experience of big occasions at Welford Road, coupled with the support throughout of our excellent home crowd, will play a big part in this final league game of the season.

"European rugby is very important to the club and we are rightly proud of our record in qualifying for the competition. Everyone is totally focused on maintaining that run."

Victory for Tigers would guarantee fifth place in the Guinness Premiership and, with it, a place in the Heineken Cup next season. Victory for Quins or a bonus-point win for Tigers would give the winners a chance of a place in the play-offs. The team finishing the season in sixth place would be dependent on Bath beating Worcester in the final of the European Challenge Cup to qualify for the premier European competition.