Harlequins’ head coach Gerard Mullen has said his side need to hit the ground running in their match against Saracens this weekend.

The two rivals will clash in a top of the table battle on Saturday and Mullen added he’s under ‘no illusions’ as to how difficult it will be to claim the win.

He said: "We know how strong a side Saracens are, and we’re under no illusions of how big a challenge they will bring to us on Saturday.

“Having pipped us to the league title on a few occasions now, on top of the local rivalry, we’re expecting a really fierce encounter and everyone is fired up.

“As big a game as Saturday is, we have to treat it as we would any other. It isn’t a final or a do-or-die game, we have that to aim towards at the end of the season, and although we’re determined as ever to get the win, we need to be consistent and approach it as we have every game this season.

“I’m sure the girls will bring an extra intensity with the rivalry playing Saracens provokes, but we’re keen to stick to our core processes and maintain our momentum.”

The fixture was originally planned to go ahead on December 12 but it was rescheduled after a Sarries player tested positive for Covid-19. Mullen added the rearrangement of the match has been tricky.

“The disruption COVID has caused around this fixture has certainly been difficult. We planned on giving the girls this week off, and obviously those plans have had to change, but everyone has shown a brilliant attitude, staying completely focussed on the task in hand and buying in to the plans set out by the coaching team.

“Despite the challenges we’re very confident that the squad will be 100% ready and raring to go come Saturday afternoon.”

The match will kick off at 2pm on Saturday and it is available to watch on the Premier 15s website and social media channels.