Interview: James Horwill


James Horwill on Harlequins' start to the season and facing English and European opposition for the first time
As Harlequins approach Round 4 of the Aviva , the squad is looking to continue their winning ways at The Stoop this Friday, following Saturday's win at The Rec.
After a long pre-season campaign which included a tour to Philadelphia to play the Eagles at PPL Park, Harlequins has started the season with two wins and a losing bonus point after facing Wasps, Leicester Tigers and Rugby.
James Horwill only joined the south west London club after the conclusion of the Rugby but the ex-Queensland Reds player has adapted well to the high tempo, expansive rugby Quins like to play.
“One thing that is very good about Quins is they have a true identity about how they want to play and they have a style they stick to and are very proud of. It took a couple of weeks to get used to but I'm learning and I feel I'm getting better and better at knowing about what's going on,” said the former Australian captain.
As the season rolls on the next challenge for the quartered men is Sharks at The Stoop on Friday night, kick-off 19:45, and after last year's home defeat and the fact that Sale are on a high from  their most recent 20-13 win over Saints, the squad are not taking the Salford based team lightly.
“I obviously wasn't here last year but it's been mentioned how Sale came down to us last year and beat us on our home turf and how they have started the season really strong. It's certainly going to be a tough ask to come away with the points but there is a general feel in the squad that we are ready for what's coming. Home wins are very important in a league as competitive as the Aviva Premiership.”
The 30 year-old is new to the English League and has never played against any European domestic sides before with his prior experience belonging to the Super 15 and Queensland Reds. With the European Rugby on the horizon and arriving at The Stoop next Thursday, the lock admits he is relishing the challenge of fresh opposition.
“Montpellier has recruited really well over the summer and there are four or five guys in the team that I know well such as Wallabies Nic White and Jesse Mogg. It'll be nice to welcome them to The Stoop. It's a huge game, Montpellier are doing really well in the at the moment and getting some great results so I'm looking forward to my first taste of European rugby!
“The key thing for us is that we keep improving and if we continue to get better each week then I think we can really prove at point in Europe this year.”
As the compactness of the Aviva Premiership season starts to pick up speed after the and the European competition raising its head, Harlequins will rely on their strength in depth, including their new recruits such as Horwill, to bolster the squad and achieve the results which narrowly escaped them last season.
To book tickets for Sale this Friday or to watch Quins kick off their European campaign against Montpellier next Thursday please click here or call Harlequins' Ticket office on 020 8410 6010.

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