Care signs on at Harlequins
England scrum-half Danny Care has signed a new three-year contract with club side Harlequins ahead of the new Premiership season.
Care had been the subject of much speculation but has since said that he never had any doubts that he would sign on for the club where he has spent the last four years of his career.
There is always speculation surrounding players at the best clubs in England when their contracts are due to run out before a season starts. This can suggest that a player is getting ready to move on but Care has shown his desire to stay a Harlequins player.
There are a number of skills that Care must continue to show in his playing role at the club. It will be a very tough season for Harlequins and they will need key individuals to play better than they ever have done.
Care's skills
Care is a player that likes to get stuck in during battles in the middle of the field. As a scrum-half he sometimes has to be protected by bigger players but he shows no less enthusiasm and aggression in the side than anyone else.
He's productive and has a relatively good points scoring record for a scrum-half. He's scored 89 points in 71 appearances for the club and this shows that he chips in at the vital moments over a long season.
He is a fantastic passer and kicker of the rugby ball. The main job of a scrum-half is to link the back and the front of the team and he can use either of these skills to make sure this happens. His long kicking also allows the team to get out of trouble when they are under pressure.
Care said: "I am delighted to have re-signed for Quins. There is no other club I would rather play for. They have been amazing and have really helped to develop my career and make me the player I am."
Big season
It is going to be a very big and tough season for Harlequins this year because there are a number of strong teams in the Premiership. The club cannot rely on a single player like Care because Bath, Leicester, Sale and more all have squads full of match winning players.
No one person in the Harlequins team can be given extra pressure or responsibility because that player may under-perform and it could cost the side. The team have to use their good team spirit and push in every single match they play.
There may also be points in the season where the club are forced to cope without the likes of Care because of international duties. He could pick up an injury while he is away and this will make team spirit even more important.
Care added: "I'm really looking forward to the new season and working hard, over the next three years, to put some more silverware in the cabinet."
Betting advice
Harlequins are going to find it very difficult this season to get near the top of the Premiership table. They have a very good squad but it lacks a little bit of quality in the vital areas. This will tell over a long season and inconsistency could lead to the side dropping important points.
Care is going to be a key player for the team. Only back him to score points as each game comes and goes. His record does not show that he is prolific enough for you to back him to end up highest points scorer at the end of the season.
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