NEC Harlequins
June 14 2001
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
- 2007/8 Season Preview -
Last time around: After bouncing straight back up from National League One, Harlequins were expected to find life tough upon their return to England's top flight. But a credible seventh-place finish proved the doubters wrong as Dean Richards' side quietly went about their business. Quins won ten of their 22 matches, with the majority of their defeats returning a losing bonus point. This meant the Twickenham side finished a comfortable 18 points clear of the drop, capping a fine comeback!
This time? A case of more of the same from a Quins' point of view. International call-ups for the impressive David Strettle, Nick Easter, Andy Gomarsall and Mike Brown were fully deserved in the close-season, but the whole squad will be excited for the new term. Heineken Cup rugby beckons but Premiership safety will certainly be in the back of Richards' mind.
Director of Rugby: The Harlequins hierarchy were surely delighted with last season's efforts and one can imagine Dean Richards being singled out for individual praise. After great and successful seasons with Leicester Tigers, the powerful, unyielding forward seems to be starting to work wonders with a promising team in the captial...
Captain: Flank Paul Volley replaced André Vos to lead Quins in their return to the Premiership. 36-year-old Volley's career included a stint in France playing for Castres in the Top 14 league and he was also part of the Wasps side that won the Premiership and the Heineken Cup in 2003.
One to watch: At the opposite end of the timeline from Volley is Danny Care - born in Leeds on January 2, 1987 and a half-back of great promise. A promising soccer player, he opted for rugby and has played for England at age-group level and at Sevens, winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. He has been an outstanding player for England at U21 level and is sure to feature during the early season with Steve So'oialo and Andy Gomarsall away on World Cup duty.
Final 2007/8 league position prediction: 11th
skybet.com prediction (04/9): 40-1 to finish first
In: De Wet Barry (Stormers), Gary Botha (Bulls), Chris Malone (Bath), Phil Davies (Bayonne), James Percival (Northampton), Chris Brooker (Bath), John Brooks (Northampton).
Out: Andrew Mehrtens (Toulon), Andre Vos (Retired), Mel Deane (Connacht), Peter Cook (Released), James Hayter (Released), Jimmy Richards (Released), Luke Sherriff (Released), Simon Miall (Released), Gavin Duffy (Connacht), Lorne Ward (Bath), George Harder (Mont De Marsan).
Colours: Green, mauve, brown, blue and grey shirts.
Tickets: £5-30
Travel Connections: The Stoop Memorial ground is on the A316, about 3 miles from the M3 end as you approach London, and on the A312 southbound from junction 3 of the M4. But there is a train station, 10 minutes walk away, and with trains running to London Waterloo every ten minutes or so. The traffic around the ground on matchday is so bad that the train is by far the easiest way to get there.