'Stay in the Fight' - Luke Northmore calls for Harlequins to be mentally tough ahead of trip to Allianz Stadium

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 09:34

byGeorge Davis

Harlequins centre Luke Northmore claims his side need to be more “mentally tough and pragmatic” in order to see out their woes of inconsistencies. The west London side were valiant in defeat to Leinster two weeks ago, before then putting almost 70 points past Bayonne at the weekend.

These are two results from the Champions Cup break that Northmore is looking to build on, as Harlequins return to PREM Rugby action with a clash against Bristol Bears this Saturday at Allianz Stadium for the annual 'Big Game' event.

“It's not unknown, that consistency is something we've not thrived out over the last few years." Northmore said.

"Sticking in fights a little bit longer is something that over the next few weeks going, and definitely throughout the next few months of this Prem block and back into Europe, we have to be to be better at,” added the England international.

“We have to stay in fights, and we also have to make sure that we're actually in games that are in front of us.”

There is no better place to do that than in front of 82,000 fans at the Allianz Stadium this weekend, a game which involves a one of a kind walk over from the Stoop. Northmore said:”It's so special.”

“You see all the fans, everyone's supporting it and it really highlights what an unbelievable fan base we got and it definitely gets you revved up, for a 'Big Game'.

“Being with the fans really makes that very special for you, lining the route. It's probably one of the most unique experiences you get in club rugby, which, every time you do it, never goes old.”

The centre also started out his playing career at 13, but after the loss of Andre Esterhuizen, the centre found himself a mainstay in the midfield births. Northmore suggests he is most comfortable in the wider channels, yet does relish the opportunity to add more strings to his bow.

“I think I probably do prefer playing outside. I think, obviously, over the last couple of years, I've kind of shifted to whatever the team kind of required since, you know, losing Andre and maybe not being able to find that like for like replacement.

“But, ultimately, it's about being on the field, and, I'm pretty grateful to be on the field at any position after the last few years.”