Quins full-back Mike Brown reckons the close knit nature of the squad is the key attraction for players remaining at the club.

The 25-year-old England international, who has made 127 appearances for director of rugby Conor O’Shea’s men and signed a contract extension in January.

O’Shea named 19 Englishmen in his squad for the opening day draw against London Wasps with a host of those graduating from the club’s academy.

Close pal Danny Care committed himself to Quins until 2013 after putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal in August, while mercurial fly-half Nick Evans signed a two-year extension on Friday.

And Brown believes that sort of commitment can only persuade others to follow suit.

“We’ve got competition in every position so everyone is kept on their toes. The younger players are pushing the senior players hard,” he said.

“We are such a tight group at the moment. Everyone gets on and people are prepared to help each other with developing their games.

“I don’t think Danny even looked anywhere else. He has a massive influence on the way we play.

“He is world class and players like him are the reason why people want to stay and want to join the club.

“We’ve all grown up together and with the club. It is a very close squad.”

Evans has enjoyed some memorable moments at the Stoop during his spell at the club, not least the match-winning drop goal against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup.

And the former All Black, who will be at the club until 2013, reckons west London feels like home.

“ Harlequins allow me to play the style of rugby I believe brings out the best in me as a player,” he added.

“We have a great team here at Quins, right the way down from the international and senior players, to the academy boys who are breaking through, to the coaches.

“I am happy both on and off the pitch, and am looking forward over the next two years to helping the club compete for those top table places and challenge for silverware.”