prediction, signings, ones to watch

Harlequins and Marcus Smith will light up the Premiership again this term.

Harlequins are in the top flight.

Quins were crowned champions in 2020-21 season. Last season they finished third and reached the semi-finals, but lost to Saracens. Marcus Smith will be key to their fortunes this term. Quins have only two senior signings. They started the season well with four wins from the opening five games. They will need to get through the Christmas and January period to be a force to reckon with.

Irné Herbst and Charlie Matthews are expected to sign for Benetton and Kamaishi Seawaves.

Hugh Tizard is leaving to Saracens. Huw Jones is going to Glasgow Warriors. Mak Wilson is moving to Doncaster Knights. Christian Scotland-Williamson is released. Matt Symons and Joe Gray have retired. Craig Trenier has retired from rugby.

Danny Care, Smith and Alex Dombrandt are the main reason why Quins are always in games. Smith has become England's starting number 10 recently. Tommy Allan is a good replacement for Smith. Quin's last strength is their pace and electricity out wide. Cadan Murley, Louis Lynagh, Nick David, Oscar Beard and Tyrone Green are all below 25-years-old. They scored 31 tries last season. If Quine can keep them all fit all term, they will get near those numbers again.

André Esterhuizen and Joe Marchant are the best midfield partnership in the Premiership. Luke Northmore is a good option to fill in for Estershuizen. Jack Walker has made the hooker position his own since his move from Bath last summer. Sam Riley and Jack Musk are back up hookers but they haven't had a lot of minutes in Premiership games. The 2022-23 season starts the same way the 2021-22 campaign began for Quins with an away match against Newcastle Falcons. After that, they will be out for revenge as they host Saracens. Last two games of their opening five matches will see them playing Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors.

Quins are reigning champions and will finish second this season. Their backline is the best in the Premiership. They will win the title in 2020-21.