Champions League winners the latest visitors as Harlequins continue to learn from football in pursuit of success

In the build-up to the new Gallagher Premiership season which starts this weekend, Harlequins were paid a visit by former England football internationals Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard. 

Both ex-players are now in the world of management, as Lampard is the manager of Chelsea while Carrick is an assistant manager at Manchester United. With it being the international break in domestic football, this was the perfect chance for Quins to learn from them. 

It is unlikely that either one of Lampard or Carrick will be able to give advice on the perfect body position when making a tackle, but what they can help with is describing to Paul Gustard’s side what it is like to be part of a successful sporting environment. 

Between them, the footballers have each won the Champions League, multiple Premier Leagues and the FA Cup. They clearly know what it is like to be of a winning culture and having the mentality that comes with it. 

This is something that is universal in all sports but is also hard to create. That is why having those that have that can impart their experience can be so valuable.

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This is not the first time that Harlequins have looked to the football world for advice and help as earlier this year they were visited by Burnley manager Sean Dyche. This is an approach that could become more common, as the advice and methods can be reciprocated. 

Eddie Jones has done a similar thing with England this past Six Nations where he called upon England manager Gareth Southgate. As someone who had just led England to a football World Cup semi-final, this was a case of drawing from as many influences as possible. 

"https://www.premiershiprugby.com/2019/10/14/what-we-can-expect-from-the-2019-20-gallagher-premiership-rugby-season/">Harlequins have a tough start to the season this Saturday, as they travel to Sandy Park to face last season’s runners-up Exeter. 

But with one of the youngest and most promising squads in England, Gustard will hope that his side will improve upon last season where they came agonisingly close to making the play-offs but were denied towards the end of the season. 

The advice that has come from the football world may ensure they do not repeat the same mistakes. 

WATCH: Paul Gustard was one of three English club bosses who sat down with RugbyPass before next weekend's start to the new Premiership season