Former KCS Old Boys youngster Alex Corbisiero says he is delighted to be
a European winner with Northampton Saints ,writes Zian Chaudry.
 

The burly 25-year-old England and British & Irish Lions loosehead prop, who started his career at the New Malden club,  played an inspirational part in Saints’ spirited 30-16 Amlin Challenge Cup final victory over Bath last Friday at Cardiff Arms Park.
 

It has been a very frustrating season for Corbisiero, who recently came back into the Saints reckoning following a lengthy seven-month knee injury lay off.
 

But his comeback proved to be a blessing in disguise as he turned his season around at the right time with a European triumph.
 

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Corbisiero, who also played for London Scottish, Cobham, London Welsh and London Irish.
 

“It’s one of the reasons I came to Saints to play big games and try to win trophies in the season.
 

“It’s been a frustrating ride obviously missing a fair chunk out of the season.
 

“Then coming back out and lifting the trophy, it makes you do all the hard work with rehab and physio to get you there.
 

“I was very lucky to start  with everyone else having had such a tremendous season.”
 

Corbisiero is confident his Saints side can do the double and claim the Aviva Premiership final over beaten Heineken Cup finalists Saracens this Saturday at Twickenham.

England’s rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson kicked 13 points in his penultimate game before retirement to help his French RC Toulon side beat the north Londoners 23-6 under the closed roof of Millennium stadium.
 

“Whoever they’re going to pick next week we’ve all got momentum behind us so hopefully we can put in another big performance  but
it is going to be very tough,” added Corbisiero, whose injury problems have cost him place on England’s tour of New Zealand .

* Tickets for Saturday’s grand finale to the English rugby union season are available to calling 0844 847 2492.