By Nick Atkin

After emerging from the international window at the top of the Aviva Premiership, wing Tom Williams insists Harlequins proved they have the strength in depth to clinch back-to-back titles.

In years gone by Harlequins could count on keeping most of their squad together during the autumn internationals but, after winning their first Aviva Premiership title last season, they have become victims of their own success.

While the likes of Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Danny Care were all busy with Stuart Lancaster’s England, the squad delivered four wins out of five in all competitions, with Quins grinding out a 22-19 win over Worcester Warriors on Sunday.

And, as they bid to retain their crown, Williams insists Harlequins have never been in better shape.

He said: “We’ve shown that by winning four out of our five games in the international window we’ve got strength in depth.

“We’ve had some guys who have really stepped up over the last few weeks, like Joe Gray and Ollie Lindsay-Hague. They’re fantastic talents.

“The international period used to be more of a strength for us – we lost very few players to international teams.

“Now it’s the opposite but it’s quite nice to have guys going away. We’re victims of our own success. It’s recognition for how well we’re performing.

“Now we’ve got guys coming back, we’re only going to get stronger.”
Quins travel to Italian outfit Zebre for their latest Heineken Cup fixture this Saturday.

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