Stuart Lancaster predicted a bright future for Leeds Carnegie after taking charge of his final game as Director of Rugby.
Lancaster brought down the curtain on his 16 year connection with Leeds with a spirited display by his team in a 45-28 defeat to second place London Wasps at Headingley Carnegie.
Despite the scoreline, Leeds played a vital part in an entertaining encounter and led for the majority of the first half.
Speaking after the game Lancaster said, "When I think back two years to when I first took over, we travelled to Newcastle on the last day of the season. That team was a shambles, physically and mentally, it was breaking up and there was no future for that team. However, this team is completely different. When you are bottom of the league and losing games like we have done, it is hard to keep your cohesion and team spirit but they have done that this year, they have stuck by one another and they will be stronger for it.
"No one at this club will be underestimating the challenge of National One, we have been there and no how tough it is but this squad will be stronger for their experiences this season and with the quality addition of players like Henry Paul and others they will be able to move on as a squad.
"It was a sad day for me today, this club has been my life for 16 years and it is with real regret that I will leave here to join the RFU. But I leave knowing the squad is in good shape and the club is in good hands and I am sure they will be back in the future. It was a fantastic occasion today with another big crowd inside Headingley Carnegie and plenty of rugby for the fans to enjoy," added Lancaster.