By Bryn Palmer

Greenwood stayed at Quins despite their relegation

England World Cup winner Will Greenwood anticipates a "ferocious welcome" in National League One as Harlequins begin life outside the Premiership.

Quins start their campaign for an immediate return to the elite with visits to Pertemps Bees and Otley.

"We will obviously be welcomed ferociously in certain parts of the country but we are looking forward to a good season," said the England centre.

"We have a good bunch of boys who are keen to put a few wrongs right."

Quins have managed to retain the majority of the squad relegated after an agonising defeat to Sale on the final day of last season's Premiership campaign.

They are also bolstered by former All Blacks fly-half Andrew Mehrtens, and with new director of coaching Dean Richards at the helm will be outright favourites to go straight back up.

Greenwood, who began his career with Preston Grasshoppers, is relishing the prospect of returning to venues he has not visited for more than a decade.

"It will certainly be different but I played in Division Four North in the old days," he said.

I can't see Quins losing more than one game Bristol coach Richard Hill

"A few of the lads who have gone straight into professional rugby won't have been to some of the Sedgley Parks and Otleys of this world.

"But they are great rugby grounds to go to, tremendous club spirits and they are the sort of trips that I am genuinely looking forward to."

Quins have been tipped to cruise back to the top flight by Richard Hill, who last season coached Bristol to promotion to the Premiership.

National League One fixtures

Having seen his Shoguns beaten 40-14 by Quins in pre-season, he has no doubt they will bounce straight back.

"The gulf is pretty large between the Premiership and the National League," he noted.

"I think Quins are going to enjoy this year. Without the pressure of fire-fighting from one week to the next they can experiment with their style of play, which is what we did.

"They have got to be careful because if they are not up for the occasion, they might lose the odd game, but I can't see them losing more than one."

I have always been proud to stick on an England shirt. I am still available if required Will Greenwood

Whether such opposition is the right environment to play your way back into the England team remains open to question.

England coach Andy Robinson does not believe it will be a hindrance to Greenwood in the short term, and has retained him in his Elite Player Squad.

"If playing a league below is going to make it difficult for him playing for England then I will have that conversation with him," Robinson said.

"I will be totally up front with him but I don't envisage that being a problem at the moment."

Greenwood, too, is not overly concerned over whether staying with Quins will affect his chances of adding to his 55 England caps.

"Only time will tell," he added. "If you are playing well and performing people will come and watch you.

"I am pleased to make the initial squad of 45 and have always been proud to stick on an England shirt. I am still available if required."