“I’d like to say a big thank you to the crowd today, they got right behind the team and the players really responded to the atmosphere,” he said.

“The supporters on Boxing Day against Sale Sharks really lifted us, and again today I’d just like to thank them on behalf of the team and the club for the backing they’ve given us.”

Looking back on a nailbiting game, Fletcher said: “We were confident that if the forwards fronted up and the set piece was solid we’d be okay, but it was another cliffhanger.

“Leicester are an awesome side with incredible experience. In their pack they had about 200 caps compared to ours which had one player with eight Tests five years ago, but our pack really did the business today, I’m so proud of them. They’ve worked incredibly hard, and Peter Walton and Ian Peel deserve a lot of credit for that.

“When Leicester brought on Ben Kay, Julian White and Shane Jennings from the bench I thought it was pretty scary for one team to have so many big players in their squad. Our forwards have taken a lot of stick this year, some of it justified, but they were superb today in my opinion.”

Coming back from 16-6 down at the interval, asked what he had said in the changing rooms Fletcher replied: “I don’t think I’m an expert on team talks after last weekend at Harlequins when we were two points up and conceded 29 in the second half, but this time it actually worked!

“We knew Leicester didn’t have to work too hard for their first-half points, a couple of silly penalties and a sloppy try from our scrum, so I told them that if we stuck to the basics of winning the ball and keeping it we’d have a chance.

“We’ve got good character in this squad. We’re very close, like an extended family, and we pride ourselves on that unity. I knew the boys would never give up, and what a fantastic kick from Toby by the way.”

Hailing the efforts of his England fly half, Fletcher said: “He played well, as he has done all season.

“He’s nowhere near the finished article, as you would expect less than six months after his 21st birthday, but he’s maturing day by day. As he moves forward he will continue to improve, and he will be an outstanding player.

“Compared to the competition I’d say he has to be in with a chance for England, but I don’t pick the team so I’ll leave them to it.

“He’s played nearly 50 Premiership games already and been capped twice. He’s a very level-headed guy and he knows which stage he is at in his own development, so he can just take it in his stride if he’s involved against Scotland.”

With a European date at home to Brive this Friday next on the agenda, Fletcher said: “They are all important games, but this is our last chance of silverware and we need to win with a bonus point really to stand any chance of going through.

“It’s a short week Sunday to Friday, so I’ve told the boys to look after themselves tonight before their gym session tomorrow. I’m trying to calm Joe McDonnell down because he has a different understanding of post-match to us. He’s pretty old school, but it’s important when you win to enjoy it.”

Keeping a reality check on proceedings, however, Fletcher revealed: “I’ve just said to the boys after the game let’s be humble. It’s only one win and we travel to Leicester in three weeks for the rematch, so treat them with the respect they deserve.

“At the end of the day we’ve won a pretty close game which could have gone either way, so let’s not get carried away.”