The fly-half came up against Dubai Exiles star Durandt Gerber in the opening game of the Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League at The Sevens on Friday night as the two rivals drew 23-23.

Gerber, the South African former Italy A cap, was a sensation in his debut campaign in the Emirates last season, leading Exiles to a UAE Premiership and West Asia Championship double. Stevenson scored all 23 Quins points on Friday, including two tries, and admits having players like Gerber on the opposing side helps him raise his game.

“Obviously he’s a quality player but I’m quite happy for him to get a lot of praise,” admitted the modest Stevenson.

“I just get on with my game, but he’s a quality player and I think you have to set your game up to play against that type of player. If I play better because of him then I don’t mind that, I’m happy with that.”

The Champions League serves as a curtain-raiser to the domestic season which kicks off on September 23 with Quins travelling to Dubai Hurricanes for an opening West Asia Premiership fixture.

Stevenson is encouraged by how his team’s pre-season has been going.

He said: “Pre-season has been good. One thing about Mike [McFarlane, head coach], he is very structured. We knew three weeks before the end of last season we were going to have a good pre-season.

“We’ve got a few new lads in and a few more to come and the lads who were here at the twos last season have stepped up so we’ve got a lot of strength. Everyone’s fit. These conditions aren’t easy to play in but it’s helped massively, and Mike’s done an awesome job.

“I’ve actually missed quite a bit because of work and I wasn’t supposed to play Friday with a ham-string concern. We’ve got a bit of depth and we’ve all gelled pretty well. We’re now looking forward to the new season.”