Harlequins coach Brian McDermott says he will use the winter break to seek inspiration for the 2009 campaign.

"We've been recruiting, we've been looking for facilities and sponsors and I've been heavily involved in that," McDermott told BBC London.

"It's only when you're sat at home with nothing much to do that you end up coming up with some good ideas.

"Maybe it's then that I come up with a way of playing or a different way of using substitutes."

Harlequins continued their rebuilding for 2009 with the signing of Wakefield back row forward Jason Golden and Leeds reserve hooker Ben Kaye.

They join Australians Chad Robinson, Luke Williamson and Luke Dorn at the Twickenham Stoop, with the club hoping to announce two more British signings later this week.

But they are parting company with Scott Hill, who is retiring, Julien Rinaldi and Henry Paul.

Winger Rikki Sheriffe and second rower Mike Worrincy have both rejected new offers by the club and are being released, along with Australian Mark McLinden, Lamont Bryan, Dwayne Barker, Joe Walsh and Dave Tootill.

Forwards Jonny Grayshon and Joe Mbu have both agreed contract extensions, Grayshon for a further 12 months and Mbu for two more years.

Quins ended the season in ninth place after Sunday's 34-24 win over Catalans - and McDermott feels a rest will refresh him.

"In the last two years I haven't sat at home too often twiddling my thumbs," said the former Leeds assistant. "I'm looking forward to being bored and wanting to go into work."

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