By Phil Gordos

Harlequins admit they face a tough task replacing Solomon Haumono and Sione Faumuina with less than two months until the start of the new season.

But Quins chairman Ian Lenagan insists his club will not be making panic buys in a bid to boost squad numbers.

"We have money, but it won't be easy bringing in the right players at this stage," Lenagan told BBC Sport.

"I don't think we are struggling so we are not panicking, but director Tony Rea is looking at possible recruits."

606 DEBATE: Give your thoughts on this story

The decision of both Haumono and Faumuina to quit came as a bolt out of the blue, according to Lenagan.

Second rower Haumono, 31, has turned his back on rugby league to resume his career as a professional boxer while 25-year-old back-row forward Faumuina, who was only signed in September, has returned to New Zealand for family reasons.

Quins may have to rely more on Karl Temata (above) after Haumono's exit

"Monday and Tuesday were a bit harsh when we found out they wanted to leave but we decided we wanted players who were 100% committed to the club," said Lenagan.

"We could have made life difficult for both players because they were under contract, but that's not our style."

Haumono, who had a year left to run on his deal, was tipped to make a big impression in 2007.

A second rower, the former Manley and Canterbury forward was set to feature mainly at prop under Quins coach Brian McDermott.

Faumuina, a former Canberra, New Zealand Warriors and Hull FC player, had penned a three-year agreement and would have given McDermott options in the back row, at half-back and at centre.

But it appears the player's family had trouble adapting to life in London and wanted to return home to New Zealand.

Faumuina has had discipline problems in the past, but Lenagan insisted the New Zealand international had been a model professional while in London.

We had hoped rest would solve Mark's problems but it was obvious when he came returned that his back was not right Ian Lenagan on Mark McLinden

The loss of Haumono will be more keenly felt given Quins have already lost a couple of key forwards in Mark Tookey and Danny Williams, who have both retired.

The club now have just three senior props in David Mills, Daniel Heckenberg and Karl Temata, with back-up coming from youngsters Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and David Tootil.

They are also a little light on the wings after releasing Nick Bradley-Qalilawa and Rikki Sheriffe.

But Jon Wells is fully fit again after an injury-plagued 2006 while 19-year-old Tony Clubb will be more experienced after a promising debut year.

Centre Tyrone Smith, an international team-mate of Haumono, could also find himself employed out wide, along with utility back Matt Gafa.

Prop Mark Tookey left the Stoop at the end of last season

There is some good news for Quins in an otherwise disappointing week.

According to Lenagan, captain and full-back Mark McLinden, 27, could be fit for the start of the season despite undergoing back surgery less than a fortnight ago.

"We had hoped rest would solve Mark's problems but it was obvious when he returned for training that his back was not right," said Lenagan.

"But the operation went well and he was walking the next day. As far as I'm concerned, Mark's situation is a positive."

Harlequins kick off their Super League XII campaign against champions St Helens at Knowsley Road on 9 February.