Retiring star Justin Marshall insists Saracens are in great shape for the coming years after their near miss at Twickenham.

The former All Black scrum-half ended his illustrious playing career in Saturday’s dramatic Guinness Premiership final defeat to Leicester Tigers.

The 36-year-old, capped 88 times by his country, believes the club have a bright future and claims the only thing holding them back is uncertainty over their permanent home.

Marshall said: "I think the club is in a very good state. It is in a great frame of mind to be successful.

"They were very unlucky in Europe this season and getting to the Premiership final is a good season in anybody's books.

"The club is well and truly moving in the right direction. With the quality of signings they have made the players will only add to the squad.

"The nucleus of the squad is already there and I think the outlook is extremely positive for the club.

"The only glitch is the lack of a home stadium. They need that core support and we have to find the supporters. If we can get that support, which is what other big clubs have, then that is the missing ingredient. Whether that is at Watford I can’t answer that.

"I don't think Saracens know where they want to be but I'm sure it is their number one priority."

Marshall could not hide his disappointment after the Men in Black's title dreams were scuppered in the most dramatic fashion.

The fierce competitor said: "I was very happy with my decision to retire leading up to the game but walking down the tunnel in Twickenham, all I could think about was needing to do one more year and win the final.

"It was the not the way I wanted the result to go, not on a personal note but for the club. You can't help but be disappointed because we were in a position to win the game.

"All I want now is for Saracens to be successful and win it next year, even though I can't be involved in the playing side.

"The overwhelming emotion was of disappointment. It was a really empty feeling. It was hard to describe.

"The one thing that springs to mind was it was a hell of a good game with two sides having a positive approach and scoring tries. It was what the Premiership needed and even though we lost it was the way it should be played."

The squad were reunited with director of rugby Brendan Venter, who was harshly banned from attending the final, after the match and Marshall was taken aback by his upbeat demeanour.

The former Ospreys star added: "Brendan is a very passionate man and he cares very much about this club and the players. I was expecting him to be grumpy after the finish but he was extremely proud, standing tall with a smile on his face. He was in a buoyant mood and I was quite surprised but it was good to see. He knew that but for the bounce of a ball we could have won the final."

Marshall will continue to work for Saracens as a consultant and will develop his media career for Sky back in his homeland.

Looking back on an array of personal milestones, Marshall said: "The real highlight was coming to the club and being part of a team that really wanted to do something in the Premiership.

"There was a lot of disruption and players left but seeing the growth of the club, off the field as well with Edward Griffiths [chief executive], with the players being so committed and proud to play for them in getting to a final, was a highlight.

"Playing Harlequins at Wembley was another because it was my main farewell and my son and daughter were there with me on the pitch.

"I have had plenty of highs and lows but being in the World Cup and facing the British Lions was special.

"My first Test for the All Blacks was a thrill I can't describe and if I hadn't have earned another cap it wouldn’t have mattered after that."