Chris Marshall says Abu Dhabi Harlequins are brimming with confidence ahead of the new Gulf rugby season and doesn’t feel the reigning UAE Premiership and Dubai Sevens champions have many weaknesses.
The winger admits Zayed Sport City is a joyous place to be at the moment and says he cannot wait for the new season.
The Englishman has also hailed the impact new head coach and compatriot Mike McFarlane has had on the club in his short time in charge, admitting the new man has got Quins really firing ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off in just over a month.
“This year there’s certainly confidence. I’ve been here three years and this is the most confident I’ve been going into a season,” said Marshall, 25.
“It’s a really positive place to be at the moment and I’m enjoying it, knowing the guys we’ve got and Mike McFarlane, who’s impact on the club has been fantastic.
“He’s a really positive bloke. He loves coaching and is really driven and he’s had a real positive impact on the guys who’ve been here a few years, to get them going again for the season.
“Equally, through his network, he’s brought in a few players who are all of a good standard, who I think will add a huge amount to the squad. I can’t see many places where we’d say we’re weak.
“Mike’s worked us really hard, it’s probably the toughest pre-season I’ve done so far and hopefully the hard work pays dividends.”
It was a stop-start season for Quins in 2014-15, who recovered from losing two straight games at the start of the Premiership to make the final.
– UAE: Hart demands huge improvement from Jebel Ali players this season
– UAE: Inaugural tournament will be perfect prep for Abu Dhabi Saracens
– UAE: Roelof Kotze confident UAE Under-20’s can shine in Malaysia
After losing to Dubai Hurricanes and Jebel Ali Dragons, Jeremy Manning’s men beat Abu Dhabi Saracens, Dubai Exiles and Xodus Wasps, and made it four straight with a 39-19 demolition of Canes in the final.
Despite also capturing the Gulf Men’s League title at the Dubai Sevens, Quins tailed off after Christmas, surrendering the Gulf Top Six title they had held for the past three seasons.
Several players went down with injury, including Marshall, as younger siblings Sarries took glory in the second half of the campaign by beating Doha to win the West Asia Cup.
He and Quins have no complaints about finishing third in the GT6 though.
A great @Abudhabiquins season ahead… pic.twitter.com/zR0QAgujKQ
— Michael McFarlane (@mike11085) July 13, 2015
“The season was injury interrupted for me, as always. I have had a few seasons like that. I really enjoyed it though. We won the Premiership, which was massive for us,” said Marshall.
“The GT6 was obviously a bit disappointing, we had a few unfortunate injuries to key players and at key times. Saracens and Doha were really, really strong and I don’t think we can have many complaints. They were the best two teams and they made it to the final.”
Marshall is clearly motivated, but just in case any Quins players needed firing up for the new campaign, their opening Premiership fixture on September 25 is a tantalising capital city clash with rivals Sarries.
“It’s Saracens first up, so we’re really up for that, as always. We’re confident but it’s a big challenge,” said Marshall.
“It’s given us something to build towards and we’re using that to get us going during pre-season.”
