Robson: Quins can be champions again
George Robson believes Harlequins have the strength in depth needed to return to the Aviva Premiership summit.
This time last year Harlequins were hurriedly preparing for the new campaign as the defending Aviva Premiership champions.
And while the same cannot be said this time around – Quins falling at the semi-final hurdle to eventual champions Leicester Tigers – last season was not a complete washout for the side from the Stoop.
While Quins might not have got their hands back on English rugby’s top prize, they still walked away with both the A League and LV= Cup titles last season.
In doing so they blooded in more youngsters that will undoubtedly go on to become first team regulars – the likes of Ben Botica, Charlie Matthews and Luke Wallace having featured heavily in both cup triumphs as well as the Aviva Premiership.
And lock Robson believes the Quins factory line will continue to churn out talent this year, giving the club a large pool of players to choose from as they bid to return for the Twickenham showpiece.
“We want to get back to being champions again but we are not under any illusions as to how difficult that will be,” said Robson.
“We know how we want to go about things though and we are confident that if we stick to our game plan then we will be victorious more times than not.
“The way we want to do things is set the right processes in place, work as hard as we can and then results and talking about silverware and trophies will all fall into place.
“We don’t want to stick our hands in the air and talk about what we want to win and all that. All we want to do is focus on our processes, work hard and see how we go.
“We have got a great squad and some great talent and it is very much a squad effort and if you are going to win anything it is all about everyone chipping in.
“We showed last year with the A League and LV= Cup triumphs that we have that strength in depth and being successful relies on having that large squad and we are lucky to be in the position that we have good academy guys, good youngsters coming through.
“Paul Doran Jones is looking good but we have youngster as well coming through. We have Kyle Sinckler and Will Collier who are going well too. Paul Doran Jones has added to the experience as well and he brings a really good competitive edge to out game.
“So we are in good shape and we are looking forward to the start of the season.”
It isn’t just 22-year-old Matthews that is keeping Robson on his toes for a spot in Quins’ second row this season, with the experienced Nick Kennedy arriving from Toulon.
But 27-year-old Robson insists he is relishing the challenge of holding on to his starting berth, having featured in every Premiership game last season.
“I can’t wait to get out there and play well for Quins and do what I do best and show people what I have got to offer,” he added.
“I am very lucky to be in a position where I have some very good players around me and allow me to show what I can bring and I can’t wait for the start of the season.
“I think there are two sides to it. You are looking after the young guys and bringing them through and of course there is a competition aspect to it too.
“But we are all competitive and everyone is going to be needed to chip in and know what they are doing so and the more they know the better position we are in.
“There is that rivalry amongst yourself but you can’t read too much into that it is all about working together as a team.”
The London Double Header returns to Twickenham on 7 September with two crucial Aviva Premiership Rugby matches: London Irish v Saracens followed by London Wasps v Harlequins. Tickets from ticketmaster.co.uk
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