Allan signs as flexible friend for Marcus
TOMMY Allan hopes his arrival at Harlequins will not only keep Marcus Smith firmly on his toes but ensure the new England and Lions sensation continues his meteoric rise to the top.
Italy fly-half Allan is in no mood to be a bit-part player in the ambitious London club’s bid to retain their Premiership crown while also prove themselves a formidable force in Europe.
Allan, 28, who has been brought in to fill the void left by the departures of Brett Herron (Biarritz) and James Lang (Edinburgh), is delighted to be back in familiar territory having built a successful Test career during his nomadic rugby life since leaving Wasps as a youngster.
Allan has displayed his talents in South Africa, France and Italy while amassing 378 points from 61 caps for the Azzurri after choosing to wear that shade of blue ahead of a darker Scotland version.
Now, he is relishing “a new challenge” aboard a Quins bandwagon hell bent on retaining the title captured so thrillingly over Exeter in a Twickenham final to savour two months ago.
Linking up with the precocious England youngster Smith is one thing the former High Wycombe Grammar schoolboy is especially excited about. .
Allan told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve spoken to him a few times in recent weeks and obviously seen plenty of him playing in games on TV.
“He’s clearly one hell of a talent who had an absolutely outstanding
season with
Quins, and then England and finally getting that Lions call up.
“He’s improved so much over the last couple of years but he’s so young I expect he will step up again and improve some more.
“You have to fight for your place whichever club you join. That’s what brings the best out of people.
“I want to compete and push Marcus for a spot. I’ll improve him and he’ll do the same to me. By doing that it can only benefit the team.
“I can’t wait to get out onto the field again – I’ve not played since April when I tweaked my groin but I’m ready and raring to get going now, and start well.
“We will have to see how the club want to use me but I can play different roles if required, whether that’s ten, 15 or wherever. I can
be flexible to help the team – I just want to do the best I can.”
Despite his strong ties with Treviso, the decision to join Quins was not a difficult one for Allan, whose uncle John won nine Scotland caps and both dad William and mum Paola Berlato played in Italy.
The former Scotland U20 player said: “It’s strange being back in England
and I guess I’ve gone full circle. I lived in Richmond and played down the road at London Scottish with the likes of Kyle Sinckler and George Merrick.
“It was a little emotional leaving Italy after five seasons there but rugby-wise it was a fairly easy choice to join Quins. It’s a change of environment and even when I began speaking with them last season they were aiming for big things. They managed to achieve those aims and get to the top.
“It’s a fresh start and challenge, and I’ve got to work my way up now. I watched some of the Premiership from March onwards but once I knew I was signing for them I saw every Quins game.
“It’s a very professional set up here and we’ve already done a lot of training. They play the style of game I like to watch and play and it’s awesome to be involved now.
“I was 17 when I left Wasps after being in their academy in Henley. I’ve been around playing and enjoying different rugby cultures. I’ve tried to adapt my game with bits and bobs from every different coach I’ve worked under. I’m in control when I’m on the field now and I’ve developed my skills.
“But I’m certainly not the finished article and I know joining Quins will help me improve my game even more so.”