Writing off Quins was ‘insulting’

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Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea hit back at those who wrote off his team following their tough start to the season.

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea hit back at those who wrote off his team following their tough start to the season.

The 2012 champions spluttered against London Irish before suffering heavy defeats to Saracens and Exeter over the last two weeks.

But Quins got back on track with a 52-0 thumping of whipping boys London Welsh on Saturday to raise morale, allowing O’Shea to prove a point.

“If people thought we were going to go away they will have to think again. To write us off only four games was insulting,” said O’Shea.

“We are very happy to score seven tries to nil and pick up 50 points.

“We can improve but this is a brutal league; we started last season with only two wins from five matches but this season we have three from five.”

Next up for Quins is a demanding trip to Welford Road, where Leicester with all their injuries await looking to kickstart their own season.

“We haven’t started the season as well as we would have liked but Welford Road is an unbelievable place to go,” added O’Shea.

“You have to work incredibly hard for the result and I have to ensure we get our game together, which is my main concern.”