Robson off in Quins defeat

Harlequins' first step on the road to redemption was backwards after lock George Robson was sent off for head-butting just 46 seconds into their 26-15 defeat to Wasps.

There was no blood - real or otherwise - but plenty of thunder from the Quins, who defied the loss of Robson to open a 12-5 lead with tries from Ugo Monye and new signing Gonzalo Camacho.

Wasps took their time in the face of a spirited Quins resistance but eventually sealed an opening day victory with a brace of tries from debutant winger Tom Varndell and a late penalty try.

Saracens held off a late onslaught by London Irish to record a narrow 18-14 victory.

Sarries took an 18-3 lead into the break thanks to a try, conversion and two penalties by Glen Jackson, and another touchdown by Andy Saull.

A below-par Irish side fought back in the second half but, despite George Stowers' try and penalties by Ryan Lamb and Delon Armitage, they could not complete the comeback.