CHARLIE Mulchrone gave up trying to teach Marcus Smith new tricks a while ago because England‘s new sensation is already producing magic on a different rugby level.
Former scrum-half Mulchrone, now skills and kicking coach at Quins, says the 22-year-old flyhalf, who showed such maturity along with sublime skills during the club’s title triumph, will be putting a broad smile on all his new Lions pals.
Mulchrone said: “I was alongside him when he made his debut at 17 in an A game against Saracens. You sensed even then that he had such huge potential so it’s not really surprising where he is at right now.
“I was just a modest player and I am never going to tell him how to play the game or what he needs to work on. He is far more qualified than I am.
“He will be getting plenty of advice every which way he turns and one of his great attributes is that he listens and learns. He takes on board the stuff that’s important and improves himself.
“The kid turns up for training and immediately puts a big grin on everyone’s faces with just the way he is and the things he does with a ball. He then plays with a smile on his face. He actually sums up Harlequins right now. It’s a very happy and enjoyable place to be.
“Louis Lynagh is the same; humble and just wants to work and learn constantly. Like Marcus, he is mentality so impressive.”
Mulchone believes having the likes of Smith, Lynagh and another new England man, Alex Dombrandt, around means Quins’ future looks rosy and could herald a magical era for the club.
He says: “I had the benefit of playing with most of these players at some point. These kids are different level. They are unbelievable and different from what I’m used to.
we have so many pretty fearless young lads in the squad who have shown cool heads and maturity beyond their years.
“The great thing is that “What I was doing at 20 was different to what Lynagh was doing diving over for those tries and lifting the Premiership trophy. It certainly wasn’t as serious as any of that!”
Quins have wasted no time in strengthening their coaching and playing resources. New Zealand U20s and former Bath coach Tabai Matson has been appointed to lead the team from September while they have snapped up former Worcester lock Christian Scotland– Williams from NFL, Bath hooker Jack Walker plus Scotland centre Huw Jones form Glasgow.
Mulchrone adds: “The tricky part is always backing up what you have just achieved. It’s tougher second time round because other teams now know what you are about. We produced one of our finest second-half performances ever against Bristol and then had to back it up against Exeter at Twickenham. It will be much the same next season.
“Tabai has come in to try and take us to the next level. The ultimate goal is to win the Champions Cup and the key for us is consistency to keep competing to win the domestic title and be a perennial top four team.”
By GARY FITZGERALD
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