It has been quite some year for Harlequins back row Jack Clifford and with the JP Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s about to kick off, he is hoping for more success.

The 20-year-old, who has been with Quins since he was 13, has risen through the academy and made his first team debut in November last year.

Moreover, Clifford has exploded onto the international U20s scene, skippering England to glory in the RBS Six Nations Championship in February, and the IRB Junior World Cup in June.

Now he will be led into 7s action on Saturday by Quins skipper David Ward, looking to build on victory at the Rosslyn Park floodlit 7s in May.

Clifford said: “We are taking a young side (average age: 21), but there is plenty of experience. Some of the guys are in their second year as professionals.

“Having won at Rosslyn Park, we know there is no lacking of talent although we know it is going to be a massive test.

Your Local Guardian: Varndell

Tough opposition: Tom Varndell of Wasps

“Teams are putting out very strong sides with the incentive of the World Club 7s for the winner. Saracens are putting out guys like Chris Ashton, and Tom Varndell playing for Wasps - so there is real talent in the competition.”

He added: “Harlequins are already in the Worlds, but we’re fighting for our place in that team, so we all need to on top of our game.”

In the Premiership 7s, Quins have been drawn in group C at to face London Wasps, Saracens and the title-holders London Irish at Allianz Park on Saturday.

The top two from each group are split into two groups of three, and on August 9 at Bath’s Recreation Ground they face each other with the top sides meeting in the final.

“We have a shout of getting into the final, Dave [Ward] is a great leader and although all seven of us will have our opinions, he is the one we’ll be following.”

Quins squad: Jack Clifford, Ross Chisholm, Dave Ward (c), Ollie Lindsay-Hague, Charlie Walker, Patrice Agunda, Sam Arnold, Harry Sloan, Jeremy Manning, Louis Grimoldby, Jordan Burns, James Chisholm.