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New Harlequins deal for potential new England cap Jack Walker

By Liam Heagney
(Photo by Mark Evans/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Jack Walker has inked a contract extension with Harlequins in the same week that he dramatically jumped up the selection pecking order with England. The 26-year-old was one of five uncapped players included when Steve Borthwick named his 36-strong squad on January 16 for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.

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With Luke Cowan-Dickie ruled out for the tournament due to his recent injury with Exeter, the three hookers selected by Borthwick for this week’s five-day preparation camp at Pennyhill Park were the seasoned Jamie George, who has 72 caps, along with uncapped duo George McGuigan and Jack Walker.

However, the personnel involved has quickly changed this week. McGuigan was ruled out on Monday with a knee injury and was replaced by the three-cap Tom Dunn, who last played for England in November 2020. Then came the confirmation on Tuesday that George was now also out of the squad due to a weekend concussion. His place went to the six-cap Jamie Blamire, who was last briefly capped off the bench in the 2022 Six Nations.

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The reshuffle suggests that Walker, who toured Australia last July, is now very much a contender to make his England debut versus Scotland on February 4. In the meantime, the ex-Yorkshire and Bath front-rower has agreed to extend his stay at Harlequins.

A statement read: “Jack Walker has signed a new deal with Harlequins. He joined Harlequins ahead of the 2021/22 season from Premiership rivals Bath, making an instant impact as he established himself as one of the form hookers in the Gallagher Premiership.”

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Walker said: “It’s great to sign a new deal with Harlequins. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my first two seasons since starting with this team. Being in this club and squad has been nothing but a fantastic experience. Playing in knockout rugby and receiving a call-up to the national side have been highlights of my time with Harlequins so far, but this is a hugely enjoyable place to come in to work at every day. This is an exciting team to be a part of and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

Jerry Flannery, the Harlequins lineout and defence coach, added: “Jack continues to be a standout presence in the front row and we’re delighted to have him re-sign. His set-piece work is always reliable and he remains a huge asset to this club both on and off the field.

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“Being selected for England is a testament to his hard work and dedication. At just 26 he has an incredibly exciting career ahead of him and we’re thrilled that he has made the decision to continue it at Quins.”

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Trevor 25 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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