'Harlequins have only got themselves to blame' - Brian O'Driscoll places blame for poor PREM form on lack of effort
By Rhys Jones
Published 22/03/2026 at 21:44 GMT
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Harlequins are likely already looking ahead to next season as Gloucester secured just their second PREM victory of the season, beating the London side 26-19 at The Stoop. Quins have won just two matches this season and are only two points above last place, and TNT Sports rugby expert Brian O'Driscoll believes the side have "only got themselves to blame" for such a disappointing campaign.
'If I was Marcus I'd be tearing my hair out' - O'Driscoll berates poor Quins for lack of effort
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports rugby expert Brian O'Driscoll was scathing about Harlequins after they were handed a sixth straight loss with a poor performance against Gloucester.
The London club are languishing at the bottom end of the Gallagher PREM table, just two points clear of 10th-placed Newcastle Red Bulls.
They had the chance to improve their standings somewhat when they faced fellow struggling side Gloucester but the Cherry and Whites left The Stoop with a bonus point win.
Marcus Smith's side were at least able to take a losing bonus point from the game, but it was a sad performance, and it is hard to see how the former champions can turn it around.
"Quins have only got themselves to blame," O'Driscoll said as he began a scathing review on TNT Sports.
"It's their worst run in 20 years, six losses on the bounce. You're just thinking 'Where do they turn it around?'"
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'Cut and thrust!' - Smith slices through Gloucester defence to give Quins lead
Video credit: TNT Sports
It is unlikely they manage to turn it around next week either as they head to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol Bears.
Pat Lam's side lost their losing bonus point with the clock in the red against Leicester Tigers, dropping to fifth in the table, and he'll be expecting his side to take their anger out on a seemingly helpless Quins team.
"It feels like they're very disjointed, there's actually a lack of cohesion and a lack of effort, which is actually the most frustrating thing from a fan's perspective," the Irishman continued.
"The desperation of getting back to the defensive line for the Charlie Atkinson try, which was the second to last one with 15 minutes to go, was just not evident.
"You don't need any ability or talent for hard graft, it's about willingness to work for your team-mates."
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Highlights: Gloucester pile more misery on PREM strugglers Quins
Video credit: TNT Sports
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As O'Driscoll points out, it must be doubly disappointing for players such as Marcus Smith and Jack Kenningham, who are putting in decent individual performances within a lacklustre team.
Smith in particular has just returned from enduring a difficult Six Nations campaign with England, only to slot back into a struggling club side that could worsen his chances of fighting for an international starting berth.
"I'd be pulling my hair out if I was guys like Kenningham and Marcus Smith because there is effort from certain quarters but just not right across the board," O'Driscoll added.
"There's guys going through the motions at times, and it's not good enough from a professional rugby standpoint."
Whether they win or lose in Bristol, they at least get a break from the PREM until mid-April. But upon return, they travel to face the reigning champions Bath before hosting Sale Sharks.
Sale have endured a tough time but, realistically, the next truly winnable clash for Quins is May 10, when they face Newcastle Red Bulls.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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