Director of rugby Conor O’Shea has assured Quins fans the club’s injured England contingent will be fit for the start of the new season.
Mike Brown (thumb), Chris Robshaw (thumb), Ugo Monye (concussion) and George Lowe (ankle) all returned from South Africa after Saturday’s third Test stalemate.
The quartet, plus fellow tourists George Robson, Karl Dickson, Joe Marler, Joe Gray and Jordan Turner-Hall and have since disappeared on belated summer breaks – as have Samoan pair James Johnston and Maurie Fa’asavalu, and the club’s five England U20 internationals.
The rest of the squad returned to pre-season training this week, while the 16 who have been on duty for their respective countries will not return until July 23.
But O’Shea insisted they would be ready for Quins’ Premiership title defence – the fixtures for which are announced next week.
“This time of year is great because you cannot lose a game during pre-season training,” he said.
“Last year is forgotten. It is all about concentrating on what is next.
“With more people involved with England it might be difficult to juggle things next year.
“But they have to remember to get picked for England they have to play well for their clubs.
“It is strange atmosphere with 16 players missing, but, at this stage, everyone will be fit to start the season.
“It was terrible luck for Mike Brown and George’s injury was one of those things.
“They will all be fine.”
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