James Horwill has praised Harlequins’ new players for their professionalism and work ethic and says he cannot wait to join them on the training pitch as the season approaches.

Mr Horwill, who had an ankle operation at the end of last season, says he will be ready to play in a pre-season fixture and that he cannot wait to get started playing for new Head of Rugby Paul Gustard.

“The new guys have settled in really well and become part of the group very quickly,” said Mr Horwill.

“It has been difficult for me being in rehab and on a different schedule from them but we have such a great group here and the buzz around the changing-room is great.

“Gussy [Paul Gustard] and the new coaching set-up have come in and brought a lot of energy to the camp, the weather is nice which helps energy levels and the boys have put in a lot of hard yards over the past few weeks.

“For me the main thing is to get the body right and be ready for the start of the season. I had the surgery when I did with that in mind so I could get fit and be ready to go for a pre-season game.”

Harlequins play away at Jersey Reds on Saturday, August 11, and face Glasgow Warriors in Perth on Saturday, August 18, before completing their pre-season campaign at The Stoop against Ealing Trailfinders in the evening on Friday, August 24.

And Mr Horwill says he will be fit and raring to go for them: “I am about a couple of weeks away so I have my eye on a pre-season fixture and then be ready for the when the season starts," he added.