HARLEQUINS

Maybe it’s got something to do with their proximity to Twickenham, but Harlequins have usually had a sizeable England contingent – and nothing has changed under Eddie Jones.

What has changed is that John Kingston has replaced Conor O’Shea as rugby director.

And his approach when Mike Brown, Danny Care, Marland Yarde, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Chris Robshaw and Jack Clifford are on Red Rose duty – and Jamie Roberts on call for Wales – will be crucial to whether Harlequins can mount a top four challenge.

With a very limited influx of players over the summer, the pointers from last season are that it will be difficult for Quins to break out of mid-table mould when they are without their England cohort.

However, Kingston’s team will probably be more pragmatic in its approach than it was under O’Shea.

It’s a prerequisite that James Horwill steps up to take over Nick Easter’s mantle as pack leader, and it will also put a premium on Nick Evans, or Tim Swiel, kicking their goals.

It will also leave Roberts, when he is available, with the main responsibility for getting Quins over the gainline – and in his absence they could struggle.

Should get off to a good start against Bristol, but then it gets much tougher with Sale (A), Exeter (A), Saracens (H) and Wasps (A).