Gilmore demands more as winless Quins turn to Europe

Harlequins sit bottom of the Prem, England's top rugby union division, after losing their first three matches. Head coach Jason Gilmore has urged his players to keep building on recent signs of improvement as they try to climb out of trouble.

The message, reported by BBC Sport, comes as Quins pause their league campaign for Europe. They open their European Challenge Cup run at home to Vannes.

The low point is easy to name. On 3 October, Harlequins lost 48-0 away to Gloucester. It was the club's heaviest league defeat for 26 years.

That scoreline stung. It drained confidence. It left Quins rooted to the foot of the table.

The response was better. Away to Sale, Harlequins led until the 73rd minute before losing to a late penalty, a kick at goal given after an infringement. Defeat still hurt. But the performance carried far more fight.

That shift is what Gilmore wants to keep. In union, momentum often comes from small things done repeatedly well. Winning the ruck, the contest for the ball on the ground after a tackle. Securing your own lineout, the throw-in used to restart play. Staying disciplined enough not to give away kickable penalties.

Now the stage changes. The Challenge Cup is Europe's second-tier club competition, a step below the elite Champions Cup. For a team low on league points, it can offer fresh air and a home crowd.

Context helps explain the slow start. Harlequins finished ninth in the Prem last season. Gilmore had already warned supporters to expect a difficult opening after a summer of changes, in comments reported earlier in October by BBC Sport. Three straight defeats have underlined that warning.

For fans, this means the Vannes game carries a simple test. Can Quins play for the full 80 minutes the way they played for 73 minutes at Sale? Do that, and the season starts to feel different. Fall short, and the pressure around the league table will only grow.