Ugo Monye questions Harlequins recruitment after eight-try defeat exposes problems up front

Ugo Monye has questioned Harlequins’ recruitment priorities after their 48-0 defeat at Gloucester, arguing that strengthening the pack should have come first.

Quins conceded eight tries on Saturday in their heaviest league defeat for 26 years.

Monye challenges Harlequins’ priorities

Speaking on Rugby Union Weekly, in comments reported by BBC Sport, the former Quins winger contrasted Gloucester’s investment in their forwards with his old club’s signing of full-back George Furbank.

“First go and invest in your pack,” Monye said.

He highlighted problems at the scrum, line-out and gain line, alongside poor backfield coverage. Harlequins replaced their entire starting front row at half-time.

Gilmore condemns Gloucester display

Head coach Jason Gilmore described the performance as “totally unacceptable”.

The defeat left Quins bottom of the early Premiership table, following a ninth-place finish last season.

Monye’s criticism places the balance of the squad under scrutiny as Harlequins attempt to recover from a scoreless afternoon.