Quins aiming to conquer Europe next says Murley
CADAN Murley sees no reason why Harlequins cannot be a major force in Europe this season as well as able to create some special club history by capturing back-to-back English crowns.
The wing was in bullish mood when asked if the ambitious Londoners have what it takes to win more silverware after stunning the Premiership with that incredible Twickenham Final victory two months ago.
The champions have been busy making key changes to their squad with
several players leaving and others arriving plus former Bath and New Zealand U20 boss Tabai Matson brought in as head coach.
They have shown a real intent to go head to head with the Irish and French sides plus Saracens and Exeter who have dominated the Champions Cup.
Murley enthuses: “We have Cardiff and Castres in our pool. We are looking massively at Europe with a lot of confidence. Why not? We know deep down that if we play our best we can beat any team in Europe on a given day.
“We were the underdogs last season who lifted the Premiership trophy.
But now we are the top dogs and people will be coming after us, but we are excited about that challenge. “We are looking to go back-to-back and win the title again. It will be special to walk onto the field as champions and in front of packed crowds again. “Our kind of attacking, free flowing rugby may be good to watch, but we will have to sort out our defence in some games. One of the plans must be to concede fewer points. “Starting better is also key because we made life hard for ourselves last season. The squad is probably a bit stronger than last time. I just get excited looking at the back three around me and the other talent there is – and the average age is so low.
“All the young guys are challenging each other and trying to become better players by the day.
“The schedule means it has been a shortened preseason but we have still done some very hard sessions.”
Quins kick off their defence with a trip to Newcastle and a quick reunion with former full-back Mike Brown, 35, left.
Murley, 22, said: “Newcastle were our bogey team last year. So now Browny and Nathan (Earle) are up there it makes it an even more interesting fixture.”