Harlequins boss Paul Gustard lauds 'integral' England centre Joe Marchant

Harlequins head coach Paul Gustard has labelled Joe Marchant the best outside centre in the Premiership and is backing him to succeed at the World Cup if called upon.

Marchant, 23, was left out of England's 31-man World Cup squad earlier this month but has been brought into camp several times as injury cover.

He was also in the matchday squad last Saturday for the win against Ireland after Jonathan Joseph pulled out late on with muscle soreness.

Gustard said: “No doubt Joe had his best season last year, he was the best 13 in the competition.

“If you look at any statistic, he is the best 13. He is easily the best defensive 13 that played.

"He has come through our academy and he has now earned himself [England] caps.

“It is brilliant for the club that we have somebody stepping into that breach as other England boys we have had, such as [Chris] Robshaw, [Danny] Care and [Mike] Brown.

“Joe has all the things you look for in a rugby player. He is just a great guy who trains hard and is really professional.

"He is really integral to our success at Quins.”