Dawson warned: Wasps do not like big egos

Paul Volley brought his London Wasps career to a brilliant end at Twickenham on Saturday and then warned England scrum-half Matt Dawson to leave his ego at Northampton when he joins the double-winning champions next season.

Wasps, who became English as well as European champions when they beat Bath 10-6 in the Zurich Premiership Play-Off Final at the weekend, made Dawson their first major summer signing. He has a reputation as a difficult customer and his forthright views have got him into trouble with officials.

Now he is joining a squad famed for its magnificent team spirit.

Volley, who is heading to France and a two-year contract with Castres, said: "It'll be a huge challenge for Matt. Anyone who joins Wasps has to embrace what the club is about. It's purely a squad effort and there aren't egos.

"I am very happy to leave after this match because I've won everything - domestic cup, three league titles, Parker Pen Cup and the Heineken Cup. How good is that!

"I have been overlooked constantly by England and that does annoy me. But you have to take it on the chin. I'm now off to France with wonderful memories of a great club." Other than Dawson, however, Warren Gatland will not rush into any more signings.

The Wasps director of rugby will discuss the squad with coach Shaun Edwards once the celebrations have ended but said: "We may not need anyone. There are good youngsters coming through."

For Edwards this season has proved Wasps boast the same commitment that brought England World Cup glory. He said: "This Wasps team is no different to England in that you have five or six hardnosed senior guys who want to win badly and won't stand for any nonsense."

Wasps prop Tim Payne has been added to England's tour squad as cover for the injured David Flatman, of Bath, but it was a 35-year-old with 114 caps who appeared the obvious choice after the Barbarians beat an England XV 32-12 at Twickenham on Sunday.

Jason Leonard marked his final match at HQ with only his second international try and the Barbarians made good use of his power and experience against a callow England side.

It was a perfect send off and Leonard is backing England to succeed in New Zealand and Australia this month. He said: "England will give both teams a massive test. If any group of players can rise to a challenge then it's England."