Harlequins have been actively building their squad for the upcoming 2023/24 Premiership season, having secured an incredible NINE new signings.
#1. Will Joseph
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of a third former London Irish player in one day, as they welcome centre Will Joseph to the Twickenham Stoop.
Joseph joined London Irish at 13-years-old, and progressed through the fabled Exiles Academy and into the senior squad. He has already received international recognition for England U18s and later U20s, for the 2022 U20s Six Nations. He followed in the footsteps of his brother Jonathon Joseph, and made his senior test debut in the tail end of the Eddie Jones era, during England’s 2022 Summer tour to Australia.
He has since gone on to impress England Head Steve Borthwick, and earned himself a place in the wider training squad ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Joseph will aim to make some Summer appearances at Twickenham stadium, as England complete their warm-up matches ahead of the trip to France.
Joseph will then make the short walk across to the Stoop, and settle into his new home for the 2023/24 Premiership campaign. Speaking to the Harlequins website, Joseph said;
“I’m excited to be joining Harlequins and appreciate how quickly they’ve made me feel so welcome. It’s obviously been a tough couple of months for everyone involved with London Irish, with an ending that none of us ever expected, and I just wanted to thank all the fans, coaches, and staff for their time and help in my career so far and hope to see some of them at The Stoop next season.
“Meeting Billy and the team at Quins and hearing about their plans and how I can hopefully fit into that was exciting, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge ahead. I’ve already worked with some of the coaches and have a lot of good friends at the Club, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in as soon as I can and meeting the rest of the squad and staff soon.”
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: “Will is a highly talented athlete who has progressed significantly during his time with London Irish.”
#2. Roma Zheng
Harlequins have announced their newest signing, ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season. Winger Roma Zheng is set to join the senior academy, after he completes his final year at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Zheng has had a starring role for the Welsh University this season, crossing for 21 tries in BUCS Super Rugby. The winger has also made a staggering 233 ball carries and beat 175 defenders this season! Zheng has also previously played for Warrington RUFC and gained international recognition with England Students.
Zheng will follow in the footsteps of Cardiff Met graduates Alex Dombrandt and Luke Northmore to have joined Quins.
Speaking ahead of his signing, Zheng said: “Getting the opportunity to be part of the Quins Academy is very exciting, and something I’ve worked really hard to achieve. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I can’t wait to start my journey and contribute to the rich history of the Club.”
Head of Academy Chim Gale, commented: “We’re thrilled to confirm Roma’s signing and welcome him as a Senior Academy player. Roma is someone that we have had our eye on for a while. He’s a highly talented young player, with great skills, speed and athletic power. We’re confident he will make an impact at Quins and we’re looking forward to watching him develop even further, with another season of BUCS Super Rugby under his belt.”
Dr Daniel Milton, Head of Men’s Performance Rugby at Cardiff Met, added: “We are excited for Roma and feel he has the potential to grow and develop into an outstanding rugby side.”