Barritt, Care & more: Twitter reacts as Saracens & Harlequins win

Harlequins and Saracens racked up wins on the opening weekend of the Aviva Premiership season in London’s Double Header at Twickenham.

Here is a selection of the best Twitter reaction from the professionals, past and present, to the return of the domestic rugby season.

Saracens’ fearless one-man wrecking machine Jacques Burger previews the new Aviva Premiership season.

There is some real strong #AvivaPrem squads out this year. It's gonna be a hell of a season!

— Jacques Burger (@Nabasboer) September 5, 2014

Former England winger James Simpson-Daniel, who was forced to retire last week, believes Gloucester have a lot of work to do after their 53-6 defeat at defending champions Northampton Saints on Friday night.

Sad week capped off where it all began for me last night. Debut was coming off bench against Saints all those years ago. Gutted for the boys

— James Simpson-Daniel (@JSimpsonDaniel) September 6, 2014

Very impressive Saints performance making Glos look poor. Glos going to take time to gel where as Saints look completely on same wave length

— James Simpson-Daniel (@JSimpsonDaniel) September 6, 2014

Former Harlequins, Leicester Tigers and England centre Will Greenwood ponders whether Gloucester face another tough year despite the arrival of several experienced internationals over the summer.

Northampton that good or Gloucester same as last year? #avivaprem @SaintsRugby

— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) September 5, 2014

Proper tough meeting Monday for the cherry and whites. No baby with bathwater but the ducks definitely go! #avivaprem

— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) September 5, 2014

Leicester Tigers and England outside-half Freddie Burns reflects on a big weekend and his lack of furniture after a 36-17 win over Newcastle Falcons at Welford Road.

Big day for the family. Determined to put in a big performance for big bro @SamuelBurns88 who jets off back to afghan today! Stay safe bro!

— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 6, 2014

Loved my Welford Road debut. Plenty to work on. Thanks for the support! pic.twitter.com/QafM1vxuKY

— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 6, 2014

Body pretty sore waking up today. Great to have @premrugby back and 5 points in the bag! Lazy Sunday for me!

— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 7, 2014

Lazy Sundays are not helped by not having a sofa. Got the choice of sun lounger or bean bag #nottheone

— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 7, 2014

England scrum-half Danny Care wasn’t too impressed with part of his London Double Header experience at Twickenham as Harlequins defeated London Irish 20-15 in the second match of the afternoon.

Buzzing to get out there for @QuinsRugbyUnion in the first game of the season tomorrow! Who's coming down to Twickers to watch? #DC9

— danny care (@dannycare) September 5, 2014

Great to get first win of the season. 2nd half one of the dullest I've been involved in but a win's a win! Big week next week. #COYQ

— danny care (@dannycare) September 7, 2014

Saracens centre Brad Barritt makes a big claim about HQ after Saracens leave it late to defeat Wasps 36-28 in the first match of the London Double Header.

As always, a privilege to play at Twickenham HQ, unbelievable stadium and the finest pitch in world rugby!

— Brad Barritt (@bradbarritt) September 7, 2014

Former Northampton Saints and England lock Martin Bayfield gives his verdict as Exeter Chiefs thrash newly-promoted London Welsh 52-0 in Oxford on Sunday.

Huge moral boost for @ExeterChiefs There'll be days when a more patient, pragmatic approach is needed,but tearing it up today @btsportrugby

— Martin Bayfield (@MartinBayfield) September 7, 2014