Harlequins
September 04 2008
Club Details
Twickenham Stoop Stadium
Langhorn Drive
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW2 7SX
Stadium Capacity: 12,700 (10,000 seated)
Website: www.quins.co.uk
Founded: 1866
- 2008/9 Season Preview -
Skybet title odds - 25/1
Last time around: There was a largely English feel to Harlequins last year with a youthful swagger very much evident as stars such as Danny Care, Mike Brown, Ugo Monye and Chris Robshaw consistently impressed. However, despite their overall season success and a top six finish, the last-ditch loss to Leicester on the final day of the season hurt badly as the Tigers snatched the final play-off spot.
This time around? It's hard to see past improvement at Twickenham Stoop with Dean Richards at the helm! Add to that their emerging talent desperate to utilise last season's valuable experience and one can see even better times for Quins. Their new signing at fly-half isn't too bad either!
Coach: The Harlequins hierarchy must have been delighted with last term's progress with Dean Richards surely singled out for individual praise. After great and successful seasons with Leicester Tigers, the powerful forward continues to work wonders with a promising squad in the capital.
One to watch: Surely it has to be new signing and fly-half Nick Evans. The Kiwi has taken the European plunge, which led to NZRFU practically washing their hands of him for the Tri Nations. But his arrival is sure to aid a maturing backline that has pace and enterprise in abundance as Dean Richards keeps the shackles loose in London.
In: Nick Evans (Blues), Epi Taione (Sharks), Neil McMillan (Ulster), Gonzalo Tiesi (London Irish).
Out: Adrian Jarvis (Bristol), Paul Volley (retired), Hal Luscombe (Worcester).
PR Prediction: 8th