The English champions enter Friday night’s tie against Castres Olympique at Twickenham Stoop trailing only Gallagher Premiership rivals Leicester Tigers in Pool B.

Senior coach Tabai Matson said: “I think after last Friday’s result in Cardiff it’s given us an opportunity to look forward a week, because we’re definitely in contention for the playoffs now, which was our goal at the start of the year. So, that’s been a real positive.

“But also, having spoken to some of our senior players over the weekend, they want to finish top in Europe. It’s a great opportunity for guys who have been working furiously for months now to play at the Stoop in front of a sold-out home crowd and cement our European aspirations, which is a pretty exciting opportunity.”

Wing Cadan Murley, who signed a new contract with Quins this week, is also excited by Friday night’s game against the French side.

“We have had a really good run in Europe with three wins from three,” he said. “We are looking to secure that fourth win and hopefully get some home games at the Stoop in the knockouts in front of our fans, which would be pretty cool.”

Harlequins, already assured of their place in the last 16 of the Heineken Champions Cup after winning three games in a row, are now targeting a home draw.