Whoever said it’s the taking part, not the winning, that matters clearly didn't play rugby, writes Ben Wallace.

In fact they certainly didn't play any top level sport.

For Harlequins, who are set to play Leicester this Saturday in the Aviva Premiership final, winning will be all that is on their minds.

But if the game goes the way of the Tigers, as many (including myself) expect, the Quins players shouldn't feel all is lost.

Success of sports teams is too simply measured by the silverware in their trophy cabinets.

The clubs, the players and the Quins supporters must realise that this season is bigger than a Premiership final place.

This year Harlequins has risen in stature on the field as well as up the league table.

They have led the league since round three, winning on the road at Leicester and Toulouse, and at Wembley against Saracens. At home, the Stoop has swiftly become a place that teams have struggled to leave withmany points; only once have Quins lost at home this season, although it is possibly significant that this sole loss was against Leicester in April.

But more important than league points is the club's development.

Sell-out games and a record number of season tickets sold aretelling signs of a well-supported club with ambitions to occupy a long-term position at the top of English rugby.

The academy has produced a plethora of young players who have established themselves in the first team and show that Quins have strong foundation to build on thesuccesses of this season.

On the pitch the side is packed with new England stars, including the new captain.

No less than eight Harlequins players will travel to South Africa this summer, and win or lose they will return wiser and more experienced.

So this Saturday, in front of a packed out Twickenham, Quins have an opportunity to create club history.

But once the dust has settled and Champions – whoever they may be – are crowned, Harlequins RFC have had a year of achievements to be celebrated.