Quins director of rugby Conor O’Shea doesn’t know how Jack Clifford will fit into England head coach Eddie Jones’ plans, but he is certain his call-up will not affect his club performances.
Clifford, 22, celebrated his elevation to the senior England squad last week with a try in front of England forwards coach Steve Borthwick, during his side’s 34-26 European Challenge Cup win over Cardiff Blues at the Stoop on Sunday.
Back in the fold: Marland Yarde has uncovered his best form for Quins this season
And O’Shea says the young star is only too aware of how he got his Six Nations chance.
“He is an outstanding rugby player. He is so explosive and has a point of difference,” said O’Shea.
“I don’t know what style Eddie Jones wants to play apart from the sound bites we have heard.
The one that got away: England full back Mike Brown sees this chance slip from his grasp at the crucial time on Sunday
“Individual ambition is met by the collective doing well. The hard work by the likes of Charlie Matthews, George Merrick and Will Collier – who all want to be in Jack’s position – give Jack the platform to do well.
“If we are up there fighting that is why you get recognition and that is why we have six players in the squad.”
Try time: Quins' Ross Chisholm scores against Cardiff Blues on Sunday
Quins, who already have a European Challenge Cup home quarter-final secured, head to Montpellier tonight and O’Shea has named a side featuring eight changes to the one that beat Cardiff.
Clifford will captain the side at number eight, while there are starts for Charlie Walker, Harry Sloan, Matt Hopper, Ben Botica, Karl Dickson, Luke Wallace and Joe Gray.
Welsh surge: Quins centre Jamie Roberts, named in the Wales Six Nations squad this week, came close to scoring against his old club on Sunday
“We’ll make a lot of changes, which have been planned a long before the Cardiff match,” he added.
“There are a few knocks and bruises, but when it is a five-day turnaround with the travel, you lick your wounds and see where you are.”
O’Shea confirmed veteran Nick Easter, who was replaced during the Cardiff win after injuring his thumb, had not retired from England duty, despite his non-selection last week.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article