A RECORD nine Harlequins players have been named in the England Senior and Saxons Elite squads announced by the RFU today.

Mike Brown, Joe Marler, Chris Robshaw and Jordan Turner-Hall are included in the Senior squad, with George Robson, Karl Dickson, Ugo Monye, Chris Brooker and Joe Gray named in the Saxons.

With all four of the players named in the Senior squad coming through the Harlequins academy, along with two of the Saxons squad, the announcement once again highlights the great work that the club is doing.

It is another record for the Premiership table-toppers too, having recorded 14 straight wins at the start of the season.

Conor O’Shea, Harlequins director of rugby, said, “I’m pleased on two levels. First of all for the club, as the selection of so many players reflects our ambition and is fantastic recognition of the efforts of our squad and the coaching staff this season.

“Second, from the players’ perspective, their selection is reward for the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season and proves that personal ambition is just as important as team ambition when it comes to international representative honours.”

Brown, 26, who aleady has three full England caps to his name, but has not featuredn for four years, said: “I have been fortunate enough to have gained three caps already for my country but I truly believe that I am a much better player than I was in 2008, and hopefully I can continue to develop and add to this.”

Robshaw, 25, who has just the one England cap to his name, said: “I would love to have gone to New Zealand, but after I didn’t get the call I knew the way to prove myself was to get back to Quins, work hard and set a good example on and off the field. Thankfully, I am part of an amazing team who love to play for each other, and this has shown in the results on the pitch.”

Turner-Hall, 24, who has only featured for the Saxons before, said: “I am delighted to see my name on the list amongst so many great English players. I was fortunate enough to have played against the Barbarians (in a non-cap game in 2009), and although I enjoyed the experience, I don’t think I was truly ready. I feel I am now.”

Marler, 21, who has also only previously featured for the Saxons, said: “Every player would love to play for their country, and I am no exception, but this is only possible through playing well for Quins and the support of the players and coaches who I train with week in, week out.” 

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