HARLEQUINS
DISCUSSION POINTS
After lifting the trophy in 2021, Quins’ title defence was rather inconsistent. They lost a third of their matches and were beaten by Saracens in the semi-final.
They have since lost star wing Jess Breach to the North London club, although they’ve brought in another dangerous runner in Ellie Boatman, plus Australia forward Emily Chancellor, who will link up after the World Cup.
While changes are minimal on the squad front, there has been plenty of movement with regards coaches. With Gerard Mullen switching to the academy, Amy Turner has left her England U20 role to become head coach. Turner, a former England hooker and scrum-half, had also been working with the Red Roses.
Men’s full-back Ross Chisholm will work as skills coach for this campaign, while Brent Janse van Rensburg (assistant) and Matt Walson (S&C) also come in.
KEY PLAYER
With so many internationals regularly away, 30-year-old Emily Scott, with all her experience in sevens and 15s, becomes more valuable, particularly given her versatility.
She was the players’ pick for 2021-22 Player of the Season.
ONE TO WATCH
Amelia Harper is a highly-rated flanker who relishes contact, be that making uncompromising tackles or winning turnovers.
WHAT’ S REALISTIC?
The fight for the top four is ever more competitive but Quins have the squad to secure a place, they just need that consistency. But it’ll be a tough ask to unseat Sarries.
FAN’ S VIEW
NickyGreen: “This is an exciting season with a new coaching set-up. The re-signing of 29 of the squad means we are in a great place and the addition of Ellie Boatman to the squad means the loss of Jess Breach has been softened somewhat. After losing in the semi-finals to Saracens last year, the play-offs is the least that is expected. I’m really confident that we can go all the way and lift that trophy.”