#5. Lovejoy Chawatama to Harlequins
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of former London Irish prop Lovejoy Chawatama. One of the most explosive front rowers in the Premiership, Chawatama signs for his former West London rivals ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.
Chawatama becomes the latest former Exile to confirm their future plans, after London Irish entered financial administration at the end of the 2022/23 Premiership season. The 30-year-old follows on from Rory Jennings’ new deal with Newcastle Falcons, for a busy day in the Premiership transfer window.
The tight-head prop played 18 times for London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership last season, achieving 15 appearances in 2020/21 and 13 in 2019/20. He made his 50th appearance for the Exiles during the 2020/21 season.
Born in Zimbabwe, Chawatama started his rugby career as a back-row before moving up the pack to the prop. He has previously gained international recognition with England Students and enjoyed stints with Clifton RFC, London Scottish and London Welsh.
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Commenting on his move to Quins, Chawatama said to the Harlequins website: “London Irish will always have a special place in my heart. I am so grateful for the six years I spent at the club, and will forever cherish the memories made with players, staff, and fans. I am excited for this next chapter with Harlequins, a fantastic Club with exceptional talent on and off the pitch. I look forward to getting stuck into preseason.”
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: “We’ve been saddened by the London Irish situation and our thoughts remain with all players, staff and supporters. It’s been a difficult few weeks but we’re pleased to support Lovejoy and provide him with an opportunity to
#6. Will Porter
Joining from Bristol Bears, the 24-year-old will link up with Quins this summer to add yet further depth at number nine, alongside Danny Care who extended his Harlequins contract at Christmas.
A product of the Wasps academy prior to his successful mid-season move to Bristol Bears this campaign, Porter previously represented England at U17, U18 and U19 level before making his mark on the Gallagher Premiership for Wasps against Bristol Bears in 2018.
Born in Philadelphia before moving to the UK at the age of one, Porter represented Wasps on 58 occasions, helping the side reach the 2019 Premiership 7s final. To date, Porter has featured for Bristol four times.
Commenting on his move, Porter said: “Harlequins is an exciting club to join and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the team.
“Quins are a club that, much like Bristol, play a really positive brand of rugby and it will be great to get stuck into their game plan.”
Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “Will is a great operator who has excelled with two top Premiership sides in Wasps and Bristol.
“He will add further quality depth at scrum-half for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how he fits in this summer. We feel that his skills will suit our way of playing well and it will be exciting to see what he can do within this Quins side.”