London Wasps director of rugby Dai Young is expecting a "big challenge" against defending champions Harlequins at Twickenham.
Wasps boss excited by facing the defending champions
London Wasps director of rugby Dai Young is expecting a "big challenge" against defending champions Harlequins at Twickenham.
Wasps will face Quins as part of the London Double Header - the seasonal curtain-raiser - on September 1.
Back in 2011, Wasps and Quins both got their seasons off to the perfect start with Twickenham triumphs over Saracens and London Irish respectively.
But while Quins went on to return to the home of English rugby to claim the Aviva Premiership title, Wasps escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth after a trouble campaign.
However Young is excited by the challenges ahead for his side.
"The London Double Header is a great occasion," he told the club's official site.
"It was my first taste of the Aviva Premiership last season and it's one I am really looking forward to. But of course we know how tough the game is going to be.
Challenge
"Harlequins were the best side in England last year and they were deserved champions, so it is big challenge for us, but it will give us a very good measure of where we are."
Despite the dramas on and off the field at Wasps last season, things now look more settled for the club - particularly as Ken Moss' consortium is on the verge of completing his takeover.
And Young is confident that Wasps put last season's 11th-placed finish behind them.
"Our key target is to take a big step forward from last season," he said. "We were 11th last year and that wasn't an accident - we just weren't good enough.
"We have got a stronger squad this year and our aim is to be far more competitive and make a solid stride forward."
