Hugh Tizard is hoping to use his final experience as Harlequins begin their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign. 

Tizard was part of a young Quins team who lost to Sale Sharks in the 2019-20 final of the cup and made eight appearances last season as Harlequins claimed the Gallagher Premiership Rugby title. 

Quins open their campaign with a derby against Saracens at the Stone X Stadium but the young squad are prepared for a tough test. 

He said: “I think as a younger squad to be in the semi-final and the final was definitely important, it meant when we got there in May and June that we were used to it and ready for it.  

“Danny (Care) spoke to us about the final and how special they are and a lot of people actually learnt that in the Premiership Cup the year before, so I think to have that experience for everyone was actually, as sad as it was, a good thing to be part of and it set us in good stead for the next year to come.”

“I think the focus in the last 8-10 months has been that there is definitely progression into the first team, you look at Jack Kenningham who started in the final, he’s probably one of our most consistent players and he was in the England squad in the summer.  

“There is the hope that if you go well in this Premiership Cup, you will be rewarded, and the reward of that will be a Premiership place.”  

Charlie Mulchrone, Quins’ skills and kicking coach, agreed with Tizard on the opportunities the cup can offer players looking to break through. 

He said: “This competition is a great platform for the young lads to come in and get an opportunity.  

“It’s very much a refresh for the whole group, some people who are chomping at the bit to come in and get an opportunity.  

“But also, a nice mix of some people who might have missed out on some game time or coming back from an injury to get on the field and get some good quality minutes under the belt, and this weekend we’ve got a very exciting group going out together, so really, really looking forward to it.”  

“I think the rivalry is there, it doesn’t need to be spoken about almost, it’s the first thing you learn when you come into the set-up."