Quins left it late but wing Gonzalo Camacho’s 76th minute try converted by Nick Evans, who also kicked four penalties, was enough to down Stade 19-18, who looked to have done enough early on with four Lionel Beauxis penalties and drop-goals from centre Mathieu Bastareaud and full-back Martin Rodriguez.

And not only did Quins pip their French rivals to the title, but also to Heineken Cup qualification for next year, meaning seven English clubs will now fight it out for European rugby’s top domestic prize.

And the 32-year-old Easter, who started all of England’s RBS 6 Nations games this year, couldn’t fault his side’s spirit, even if it wasn’t the prettiest of victories.

"It is credit to the guys' never-say-die attitude," said Quins number eight Easter.

"It would have been very easy to get our heads down when they were playing very controlled pick and go, drop-goal sort of rugby, but we never gave in.

"In the second half, we didn't really play at all. We were very poor and they controlled the game.

"When we actually decided to hang on to the ball, rather than try silly offloads and put pressure on ourselves, we caused them problems and we took our only chance in the second half.

"We were nowhere near as good as we were against Munster in the semi-final, but we still dug in, and that is the kind of team spirit we've got here.

"This competition has been great this year, but with the group of guys we've got and how we want to move forward as a club, playing in the Heineken Cup is where the boys want to be."