Harlequins dip into the transfer market to bolster injury-ravaged squad

Faced with an injury crisis, Harlequins have brought in props Luke Yendle and Andrew Turner on loan to provide cover in the front row for the final six rounds of the Gallagher PREM.

Eight props were included on the extensive injury list released by Harlequins earlier this week, which ran to 27 players.

While Harry Williams (neck), Boris Wenger (hamstring), Pedro Delgado (knee) and Cameron Doak (concussion) are due to return imminently, England’s Fin Baxter and US Eagle Titi Lamositele are sidelined until May.

Jordan Els (Achilles) might make it back for the final throes of the season but Simon Kerrod (foot) won’t be seen again in the quarters until next term.

Tight-head Yendle re-joins Harlequins on loan from Welsh region, Dragons RFC, having had a stint at the Stoop earlier this season during the PREM Cup pool stages.

The 25-year-old prop has previously represented Super Rygbi Cymru sides Newport RFC and Pontypool RFC, as well as former English CHAMP outfit Jersey Reds.

Turner signs from CHAMP side Doncaster Knights until the end of the season after 20 months at Castle Park.

The former England Under-20 international cut his cloth in the West Country emerging from the Bristol Bears’ Academy, before making the switch to South Yorkshire ahead of the 2024/25 campaign to gain first team experience.

Both players are available for selection immediately.

Head coach, Jason Gilmore said: “With several of our front row options unavailable we’ve needed to bring back Luke (Yendle) and welcome Andrew (Turner) into the group ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Bath.

“It’s important we have sufficient cover in a critical position, not only to fulfil our fixtures, but so we can train to a standard throughout the week. We will have a couple of boys back in the coming weeks, but this is tricky period we need to manage. I know both Luke and Andrew are excited to be in the environment and will be giving their all to the Club in the time they’re with us.”