The scrum-half started as Quins beat former champions La Rochelle in France in the pool stage earlier this year and found it incredible to be playing rugby in such a demanding environment.

Friday, 19, told Rugby World magazine: "Going to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup was surreal. French crowds are always brilliant but going to La Rochelle, former winners in a sold-out stadium, I knew it was going to be extra special.

"When the crowd gets going, the team responds but we managed to nullify that. The experience of winning a game like that was pretty surreal.

"It was a 'pinch me' moment playing against Gregory Alldritt and Levani Botia, what a cool experience. They're also very big boys compared to me, so it can be daunting.

"But the game comes to me naturally and I play how I want to regardless of who is in front of me. I just play what I see."

The rugby star added: "The physicality goes up so much. The game is much more intense, especially in the tackle. Being able to get up and go again after being hit for a full game is tough.

"Then the tempo is something I enjoy and I want to make it a super strength of my game, so that transferring what I do in an U20 environment to the PREM and Champions Cup is not a massive difference that you cannot deal with."

Friday is the son of former Harlequins and Wasps player Mike Friday and is often grateful to receive his dad's feedback about how his game is progressing.

He said: "My dad gives me a lot of advice. I really enjoy going through games with him, looking at individual and team points that I can learn from.

"It's good to get an outsider's perspective, beyond what the coaches and team-mates are seeing. I know Dad will tell me how it is and he can often pick up on new points, which is really helpful."