Harlequins are determined to let their rugby do the talking in this season's Heineken Cup.

It might prove easier said than done though given the colossal fall-out from the 'Bloodgate' fake injury scandal.

Quins visit Cardiff Blues first up for a Pool Five opener that many believe the London club are fortunate to be involved in.

They might have paid a hefty price for 'Bloodgate' and the orchestrated subsequent cover-up through bans for ex-rugby director Dean Richards, former physiotherapist Steph Brennan and current club wing Tom Williams, but Quins avoided the ultimate punishment of Heineken Cup expulsion.

It means they can concentrate on another concerted push for European honours, having reached the knockout stages last term before bowing out against eventual tournament winners Leinster.

But the big question is whether or not Quins can put English rugby's summer of shame behind them.

Early Guinness Premiership form would suggest otherwise, though they did beat Bath last time out.

It is certainly not the start Quins would have wanted, given their Heineken group features the Blues, Premiership rivals Sale Sharks and three-time European champions Toulouse.

Skipper Will Skinner though is confident Quins can make a European statement in the proper fashion - as they started doing a year ago before their reputation ultimately came off the rails.

Last season, Quins memorably beat Parisian giants Stade Francais home and away - a 15-10 verdict in front of 76,500 at Stade de France was followed by a similarly tense 19-17 home success seven days later - while also accounting for the Scarlets (twice) and Ulster at home.

It meant Skinner and company charged into the last eight - then came Leinster, soon followed by 'Bloodgate'.

"It was good to start the Premiership campaign just to get back playing rugby and get into the season," said Skinner.

And as for possible Heineken elimination before a ball was kicked?

"It was out of our hands," he added.

"We couldn't do anything about it. Whatever decision was made (by European Rugby Cup), we had to deal with it.

"We are very pleased to be in (the Heineken Cup). It's a huge competition, and every player, no matter what club, is proud to be playing in it.

"There are some great teams in all the groups. We've definitely got a chance - we were in a hard group last season, and people didn't think we would get through that.

"As long as you focus on your home games and win those, you are always going to be in with a shout of reaching the quarter-finals.

"There might be a slightly different psyche with Europe. You are playing against teams you are not used to playing against - French, Welsh, Irish and Scottish.

"But you go into any game wanting to win, so as far as we are concerned, we think we've got a good chance and we want to do well."

Skinner admits last season's Heineken pool stages proved a defining segment of Quins' campaign.

"We talk about the Stade Francais games in last season's Heineken Cup. They were huge occasions for the club," he said.

"But there was the also Scarlets game a few weeks earlier when we were way behind at half-time at Stradey Park and we fought back and won.

"If you are looking for turning points last season, that may well have been the pivotal one. It spurred us on and showed us how we could play - the momentum started from that.

"I am sure will be up there vying in the group this time around.

"Winning at home is crucial. If you win those, you are going to be there or thereabouts, and traditionally, we are a good team at home.

"We always say we want to do better than the previous season, so if we get through our group, we will look forward from there."