Dave Ward: Our new guys will put Harlequins back on top
Quins slumped to eighth in the Premiership, their worst finish since 2009-10, and a season outside the European Champions Cup awaits
But Roberts’ arrival from Racing Metro has finally been confirmed and Ward believes the ultra-physical Wales and Lions centre will make a difference.
He told TRP: “We’re gutted not to be in the Champions Cup but as long as it’s only for one season we’ll live with it.
“It’s not been the season we wanted but we’ve added some real quality to the side in Jamie, Adam and James, which is great for us.
“These are top quality guys, proven at the highest international level, so to have them in our side will boost our chances next season.
“We weren’t far away and but for a freak draw between Wasps and Leinster, we’d have made the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup.
“But eighth this year just wasn’t good enough; we’re looking for top four again next season and that’s the minimum we expect.” Quins may have struggled but Ward has enjoyed another superb season, backing-up a fine 2013-14 campaign that earned him an England call-up for New Zealand.
He admits being “gutted” not to still be England’s plans but will never give up on his Red Rose dream after finishing second in the Premiership’s turnover charts, putting him ahead of all England’s current back- rows and hookers.
“I’m probably about ninth in line to the throne, so it’s gutting from my perspective after what happened last year,” said Ward, 30. “I know what England are trying to do with Hartley, Youngs and Webber, but I think I offer something a bit different to all three.
“Maybe I didn’t make the impression I wanted to and it’s obviously a bit frustrating, but if there is a crisis at hooker I’d love to step in.”
Ward has an eye on a future in coaching after steering newly promoted Guildford to fifth place in London One South. The division was won by Nick Easter’s Wimbledon and Ward has issued a warning to his Quins teammate to stop poaching players.
Ward said: “I’m head coach at Guildford and would definitely like to move into coaching after I hang up my boots in a few years. I was lucky to do my level three down at the Cornish Pirates with Ian Davies, while John Kingston has been my coaching mentor at Quins.
“It was always going to be tough for Guildford after promotion, but to be fifth and win the Surrey Cup for the first time in 21 years was fantastic.
“Nick Easter won the league with Wimbledon and has been lording it a bit, and he’s already been trying to steal a few of my players.
“He’s been using some very underhand tactics and is after our tighthead and loosehead props, but we’re having none of that!”
NEALE HARVEY
