Quins fly half Nick Evans might be nearing the end of his playing career, but he insists he has no plans to call it a day – and after bagging 21 points against Wasps last Friday, why would he?

Evans has spent seven years at the Stoop, making 126 Premiership appearances and scoring 1,409 league points since moving to the northern hemisphere in 2008.

The former All Black says more than 100 days of pre-season preparation has him in fine shape and providing nights like last week come more often than not, he cannot see himself hanging up his boots.

“In terms of the pre-season although it has been long, it has been brilliant,” he said.

“I’ve reacted well to it and I have enjoyed it – even all the long runs and gym sessions.

“My body has handled it well and thrived on it “It is going to be a real squad effort this year. I cannot play 10 or 12 games in a row at my age.

“There are other players here in the same situation, so there is going to be a bit of rotation. Guys that come in and fill those spots will have to play well.”

He added: “As long as I am doing my job to the best of my ability and making an impact I will keep playing.

“I have always said that the day I stop enjoying coming to train is the day I retire.

“I still love coming down here.

“The lads are brilliant and I enjoy the way we train and play.

“Believe it or not I want to get better. I still want to push myself. I’m a winner and want to win games of rugby.

“For the foreseeable future, as long as I’m playing to the standards I want to play at, then I will keep playing.”

Last Friday’s success was achieved without England captain Chris Robshaw and scrum half Danny Care, while Joe Marler, Mike Brown and Nick Easter were on the bench.

That alone illustrates the strength in depth at Conor O’Shea’s disposal this term and Evans says that has Quins primed for a title tilt.

“We’ve got in guys with a lot of experience and nouse,” he added.

“The likes of Winston Stanley and Mat Luamanu have been brought up the New Zealand way and have a good understanding of the game.

“Our accuracy levels were lower than we expected of ourselves last year and sometimes you need a season to hit the refresh button and assess where we are.

“Other squads were just bigger than ours last year but we have adapted.

“It doesn’t guarantee success, but we will give it everything.”

Quins travel to Leicester Tigers on Sunday knowing that they have lost only twice in their past nine meetings.

Joe Marler's conversation with the referee over his frustration at being knocked out of the World Cup with England during last Friday's win over Wasps became an internet hit this week.

View it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3BDzwTSq2g