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After a number of tumultuous weeks at the Premiership club, Harlequins have released a list of 25 players that are committed to the west London outfit for next season, including five new signings.
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They have also listed 12 player departures, which includes 10 players who are leaving the club and two who are retiring.
Players not included in the list of 25 re-signees include – among others – Danny Care, Kyle Sinckler, Mike Brown, Ross Chisholm, Alofa Alofa, Jack Clifford, Mat Luamanu, Luke Wallace and Charlie Walker; many of whom are serving out existing contracts of unspecified lengths, although which contracts terminate at the end of this season is not completely clear.
In a statement this evening, the club report: “Adding international class to an already stellar backs division, centre Ben Tapuai joins from Bath and Nathan Earle from Saracens. In the forwards, Max Crumpton (Bristol Rugby) has already arrived at the club, with Nick Auterac (Bath) and Alex Dombrandt (Cardiff Met) soon set to provide further competition in the pack.”
“The Club is also delighted to announce that Chris Robshaw, James Horwill, Joe Marler, Marcus Smith and Tim Visser have signed new contracts along with 15 others.”
“Meanwhile the much-anticipated return of Renaldo Bothma from a broken arm next season will provide a huge boost to the side, after a frustrating first year at the Club. Similarly, Demetri Catrakilis and Francis Saili will be raring to go after injuries severely disrupted 2017/18, limiting both to just a handful of appearances.”
“Harlequins also has some goodbyes to make as players embark on the next step of their journeys. The Club acknowledges and applauds the immense contributions of hooker Joe Gray and second rows Sam Twomey and Charlie Matthews, wishing them well for the future.”
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“In addition we thank Jamie Roberts, Charlie Piper and Harry Sloan for their service and wish them good luck with their careers. The Club also thanks Sam Aspland-Robinson, Jake Hennessey, Cameron Holenstein and John Okafor for all they have done during their time with us.”
“Harlequins also pays tribute to two players who have announced their retirements from playing this season. We are very grateful to Winston Stanley, who retired on medical grounds, while the Club is also delighted that Adam Jones will be joining the coaching staff full-time next season.”
The club say that “Any further signings will be announced at the appropriate time.”
Harlequins Squad Update
Re-signings
Marcus Smith
Tim Visser
Chris Robshaw
James Horwill
Joe Marler
Dave Ward
Joe Marchant
Will Collier
Rob Buchanan
Stan South
Charlie Mulchrone
James Lang
Aaron Morris
Archie White
Dino Lamb
Gabriel Ibitoye
Henry Cheeseman
Josh McNulty
Josh Ibuanokpe
Calum Waters
New Signings for 2018/19
Ben Tapuai
Nathan Earle
Nick Auterac
Alex Dombrandt
Max Crumpton
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Players leaving at the end of the 2017/18 season
Sam Aspland
Joe Gray
Cameron Holenstein
Jake Hennessey
Charlie Matthews
John Okafor
Charlie Piper
Jamie Roberts
Harry Sloan
Sam Twomey
Retirements
Adam Jones – appointed as Assistant Forwards Coach
Winston Stanley
Watch episode one of the Rugby Explorer with Big Jim Hamilton
Ex-Scotland international, Jim Hamilton, travels to Singapore to explore the city and find out more about the rugby scene in the Southeast Asian country. He meets up with the national team captain and several local players.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to comments