Last season’s underperformance now seems like an unpleasant memory for the Harlequins. The sudden departure of head coach Danny Wilson just before the season left Jason Gilmore to take the reins, which saw the team finishing second from last. A change in fortunes could be on the cards with George Furbank, a title-winning captain from the Northampton Saints, now in the mix.
"Something I’ve picked up from last year is that if we’re on the front foot we’re a good team," notes Gilmore, "but on the back foot I’d like to see us absorb pressure better."
"Something I’ve picked up from last year is that if we’re on the front foot we’re a good team, but on the back foot I’d like to see us absorb pressure better."
The addition of attack coach Brad Cooper from the Super Rugby-winning Hurricanes and the arrival of Fin Baxter, a powerhouse prop returning from injury, are pivotal. Baxter, part of England’s enhanced EPS contract recipients, is critical for bolstering the Quins' scrum.
The promising scrum-half Lucas Friday, aged only 20, is another talent to watch. His performance last season hinted at his potential. Esteemed players like Danny Care and Ben Youngs have voiced high expectations for him.
With a bolstered coaching staff featuring Robbie Deans as performance director, and specialists like Jordan Turner-Hall and Rob Hunter, there’s an evident push towards a more dynamic and robust team structure. Yet, captain Alex Dombrandt’s absence due to an ACL injury poses a significant challenge, especially given his pivotal role last season.
With a backline that includes Marcus Smith, Cadan Murley, Chandler Cunningham-South, and Rodrigo Isgró, play-off contention should be a minimal expectation. Yet, last season often showed a team beleaguered by resignation—a sentiment they'll be eager to shed in the upcoming matches.
On the roster front, Harlequins have seen some notable changes. Incoming players like James Dun from Bristol Bears and Sampie Swiegers from the Pumas are expected to strengthen the squad. However, departures such as George Turner moving to Newcastle Red Bulls and Joe Launchbury retiring, remind fans of the ever-evolving nature of club rosters.
Despite the odds standing at 33-1 for Harlequins to clinch the title, there's a palpable sense of anticipation around what could be a revival or another challenging season. Champions Cup qualification remains a bare minimum for the storied club, known locally as "The Entertainers."
This season, the Harlequins not only aim to climb out of the bottom half of the standings but also to restore their reputation as formidable contenders in the Gallagher Premiership. Fans and foes alike will be watching keenly as the Quins strive to redefine their legacy in the face of adversity.
The journey starts anew. Whether this season marks a return to their halcyon days or another chapter of struggle remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Quins are not going down without a fight.
