Former Hall School Wimbledon pupil Alex Corbisiero says he is delighted to be a European winner with Northampton Saints.

The 25-year-old England and British Lions loosehead prop played an inspirational role in Saints spirited 30-16 Amlin Challenge Cup final victory over Bath on Friday, despite being sin-binned during the beginning of the second half for a late off the ball tackle.

It has been a 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 this European triumph at Cardiff Arms Park.

Corbisiero, who also played for KCS Old Boys, London Scottish, Cobham, London Welsh and London Irish, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. 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 get in the start today with everyone else having a tremendous season.”

And 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.