Harlequins on a high

Harlequins began their new life on a high note with a resounding 46-6 victory over engage Super League new boys Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

The Londoners, who have traded in their old Broncos tag for the new glitzy Quins look, ran in nine tries to one in a pre-season friendly at Stade Municipal St Esteve watched by a crowd of around 4,000.

New signing Mark Gafa was the top scorer with two tries and five conversions while fellow centre Tyrone Smith also bagged a brace of touchdowns.

Scrum-half Thomas Leuluai, out for six months with a broken ankle, marked his comeback with the game?s first try and Quins also gave a run-out to Duncan James, one of three youngsters from Harlequins rugby union team.

The match marked the culmination of a fortnight?s training camp for Harlequins, who fly back to London on Sunday to continue their preparations for the new campaign.

The Catalans, who chose not to play New Zealand scrum-half Stacey Jones, have a second friendly against Hull at the KC Stadium next Sunday as they build up to their opening League match against Wigan at Stade Aime Giral on February 11.