Big names have added to buzz at Harlequins
Conor O’Shea’s side are targeting a top-four Premiership finish and a repeat of their 2012 triumph – and in-form wing Chisholm is convinced they can deliver.
He told The Rugby Paper: “Every team sets out to win the Premiership and winning in 2012 was awesome for the club, so it would be great to repeat it.
“All the signings have been a breath of fresh air and you look at the experience of those guys – Jamie, Adam Jones, James Horwill and Tim Visser – and they’ve really boosted the squad, not just from a playing point of view but knowledge-wise.
“They’re great blokes off the field, as well, which is so important to building a team and a culture.
“I’m rooming with Jamie and he’s a legend of the game who’s really added something positive. With what he’s achieved he’d have every right to be the ‘big I am’, but he’s a really down-to-earth guy happy to share his knowledge.
“There’s a really good buzz around the squad this year and those guys have added to it.”
Chisholm, 25, one of four ex-Haywards Heath players in Quins’ squad alongside Joe Marler, Luke Wallace and his brother, James, is finally clear of injury problems and looks set for a run in the side with Visser out with a hamstring tear.
Two fine tries against Gloucester in Big Game 8 enabled Chisholm to stake a claim. He said: “From a personal point of view Twickenham was very special because I’ve had to be patient after knee injuries at the back end of last season and again in pre-season.
“It’s been frustrating but I’m delighted to have had a run of games and I want to keep pushing forward and let my playing do the talking.”
He added: “There’s obviously big competition, but it’s about putting my game on the pitch and helping the team to cement a top four place.”
NEALE HARVERY
