With all four of the players named in the England Senior Elite squad coming through the Harlequins academy, along with two of the Saxons squad, today's announcement once again highlights the great work that the club is doing.

The selection of the nine players reflects their performances for the club in the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup. Harlequins currently top the Premiership and are in second place in pool four of the premier European tournament.

The following are a selection of comments from the players:

Chris Robshaw (25, England - 1 cap)

"I am excited to be back in the England set up.

"I would love to have gone to New Zealand, but after I didn't get the call I knew the way to prove myself was to get back to Quins, work hard and set a good example on and off the field. Thankfully, I am part of an amazing team who love to play for each other, and this has shown in the results on the pitch.

"I am looking forward to working with the England coaching team and playing alongside both new and familiar faces. Having my Quins team mates - Joe Marler, Mike Brown and Jordan Turner-Hall - in the squad makes it even more special."

Jordan Turner-Hall: (24, England Saxons)

"I am delighted to see my name on the list amongst so many great English players.

"Quins have had a fantastic season so far. I love being a part of the club and, having come up through the academy, I have a lot to thank the coaches and players for. They have given me so much support and guidance over the past years to allow me to be where I am today.

"I was fortunate enough to have played for England against the Barbarians [in a non-cap game in May 2009]. Although I enjoyed the experience, I don't think I was truly ready. I feel I am now, and am looking forward to being a part of this exciting squad and working towards my first cap."

Joe Marler (21, England Saxons)

"Every player would love to play for their country, and I am no exception, but this is only possible through playing well for Quins and the support of the players and coaches who I train with week in, week out.

"I am excited about the chance to compete for a place in the Six Nations team and know that, with so much competition, it will be a tough challenge, but one I am looking forward to".

Mike Brown (26, England - 3 caps):

"I am really happy to have been announced in the EPS squad. All my focus has been on playing to my best and doing whatever I can to get that win for Quins. It is great to feel that the hard work, both on matchday and on the training field, is paying off and I am looking forward to working with Stuart and his team.

"It has been an amazing season so far with Quins. I am lucky to be surrounded by a great bunch of lads and coaches who have not only helped me to start backing myself but also to really enjoy every minute of it.

"I have been fortunate enough to have gained 3 caps already for my country but I truly believe that I am a much better player than I was then [2008], and hopefully I can continue to develop and add to this."

Commenting on the players' selection, Conor O'Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby, said, "I'm pleased on two levels. First of all for the club, as the selection of so many players reflects our ambition and is fantastic recognition of the efforts of our squad and the coaching staff this season. Second, from the players' perspective, their selection is reward for the hard work they've put in throughout the season and proves that personal ambition is just as important as team ambition when it comes to international representative honours."

"On behalf of the club and supporters, I wish them well, but this is only the starting point for them personally and my hope for all our players is that, if they continue to work in the manner they have, more of them will push through to join these guys in the future.

"Of course all attentions will be fully focused on this Saturday's Heineken Cup game at the Stoop, where all the guys will be in action against Gloucester. It will be a great opportunity to show your support to not only the players announced in the England Squads, but also all the players and staff who have helped them get this far."

To buy tickets for Quins V Gloucester (Saturday 14th January, kick off 6pm) Click Here

To see the 64 players named in the Senior and Saxons Elite Players Squads Click Here