Joe Marler knows strength comes from within, which is why he is tipping fellow prop and Quins clubmate Kyle Sinckler for a big season this term.

The 24-year-old prop was named Harlequins captain last month to take the weight of responsibility off England skipper Chris Robshaw’s shoulders.

Marler, right, impressed for club and country last term, but a young man by the name of Kyle Sinckler equally caught the eye enough to earn a call into the England squad that toured New Zealand in the summer.

Director of rugby Conor O’Shea has been promoting from within this summer rather than adding a host of expensive signings to his squad, has long sung the praises of the 21-year-old powerhouse.

And former Richmond-Upon-Thames College student Marler, who was in Sinckler’s position not too long ago, is keen to see his team-mate progress this term.

“Kyle made a good impression on that tour at such a young age,” he said.

“To get picked to go with a squad like that was a great achievement for him.

“I’m excited to see him step up again.

“He is someone who has some pretty impressive talents.

“He is much better than me, so he is going to be one to look out for.”

The World Cup comes to these shores next year, which will add an interesting sub-plot to this season’s Aviva Premiership.

And Marler is in no doubt it will add a bit of spice to proceedings.

“It is about sticking to what you are good at at your club, getting into some good form for as long as you can and then hoping the selectors go ‘yeah, we’ll have you for the World Cup,” he added at this week’s Premiership launch at Twickenham.

“It is in the back of everyone’s minds who is there or thereabouts in terms of the England squad.

“There will be bit more of of an edge to it.

“People will be competing that bit harder with people vying for their spot. Hopefully, It will make games a bit more tasty.”