Harlequins swoop to sign trio from London Irish

HARLEQUINS have pounced for three players who found themselves out of work after the collapse of neighbours London Irish, including England centre Will Joseph.

- PAUL REES

The 20-year-old, who was capped on last year’s tour of Australia, will replace the departing Joe Marchant while the England U20 back rower Chandler Cunningham-South and prop Lovejoy Chawatama are also making the short move to the Stoop.

“We are in the position where, unfortunately, another club has gone into administration,” said Laurie Dalrymple, Quins chief executive. “Our first thoughts are with the supporters, players and staff who have all been affected by this which has been extremely distressing.

“As a club, we remain in a strong position. Our owners continue to be really invested in what we are doing. We are developing the club at the rate we want to and we are going really well commercially.

“We have had another really strong take up of our season tickets for next season. We are in as strong a place as we can be.