Prem 2026-27 preview – Harlequins: Title odds, key players and stats

By Peter Ryan

Harlequins are about to write a new chapter in the club’s history.

Hunting for improvement, they’ll look to take a major step forward. A squad stacked with quality talent who have shown they can perform at a prominent level.

Last season was disappointing, but the talent is there to bring success back to the Stoop.

Poised for a fascinating year, the bookmakers don’t see them as a top contender, but the team will be looking to prove them wrong.

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Last season and substantial changes

As previously stated, Harlequins are coming off a disappointing campaign last time out.

The side finished ninth with 31 points. A season that doesn’t reflect the talent the squad possesses. Last season’s result has led to big changes this season.

Robbie Deans comes in as performance director. Jason Gilmore takes the reins as head coach, with Rob Hunter supporting him as forwards coach.

They will look to build on the Harlequins’ identity while improving the team’s defence, which should bring more consistency.

It is a rest the club needed; it will be fascinating to see what comes next.

Key players and stats

The big signing going into the season is George Furbank. He will make the move from the Northampton Saints this season.

With this signing, Harlequins bring in a second playmaker, which takes some pressure off the primary playmaker.

Of course, that playmaker is Marcus Smith. The English international tallied 123 points, made 778 metres, assisted nine tries, and produced 140 kicks.

The team has an abundance of talent.

Cadan Murley is electrifying, making 627 metres, 15 line breaks and 37 defenders beaten.

Alex Dombrant was consistent as ever. Making over 125 carries, crossing the line seven times. He was also a menace at the breakdown, producing 15 turnovers.

Players such as Jack Kenningham and Chandler Cunningham-South added a massive amount.

The odds

The bookmakers haven’t given Harlequins much of a chance.

They come into the competition at 35/1. That puts them in the same bracket as Gloucester and Newcastle Red Bulls.

However, you feel Quins have the best chance of making a real impact among those teams.

The attack is lethal; they truly know how to put points on the board.

For Harlequins, the next step is turning fantastic performances into results. If they can do that, Harlequins can really be a force this season.

Harlequins feel like a sleeping giant, and it will be great to see if they can prove the bookmakers wrong.

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