NEC Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans says his clubs newly-formed relationship with Natal Sharks can blossom into the biggest in club rugby.

The two clubs will play a special match at the Stoop on Tuesday February 5. Natal, one of the southern hemispheres top sides, will use the game as preparation for the 2002 season.

Fans will get the chance to see several Springbok players in action, including Mark Andrews, Andre Snyman and Ollie le Roux.

Evans said: Im sure there will be a huge local interest in this part of London, he said. There are a huge number of ex-pat South African people living in the area.

We saw at Twickenham how many South African supporters there are around London.

The stadium was awash with green shirts. We wanted to develop links with a South African club. Natal are a world class side, who have a lot of expertise. We are confident the game at The Stoop will be a sell-out.

Should the game be a success the two sides could play a return game in Natal.

Success

If this becomes a success we would look into other aspects of the business, added Evans.

We could sent players over to South Africa for development and visa versa.

This is an exciting venture. Its too early to say what things we could do in the future.

Quins host Sale at the Stoop tomorrow, kick off 3pm. Evans is anticipating a difficult game.

Sale are playing some very good rugby, said Evans. The standard of the Premiership this season is very high. After Sale we face the Leeds Tykes. They are one of the toughest teams in the league.

I would say apart from playing Leicester away, winning at Leeds is one of the hardest things to do in the Premiership.

l More Quins news on page 63.

By.Russell Young