'Heading home' - Harlequins confirm signing of former England forward ahead of 2025/26 season

Thursday, 03 April 2025 at 16:09

byTom Sansom

Harlequins have announced the signing of tighthead prop Harry Williams ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 19-cap England prop signs at The Stoop from Top 14 outfit Section Paloise (Pau) adding strength and experience to Danny Wilson’s front row options.

Williams joins Quins after a two-year spell in France's top tier having played for Montpellier in the Top 14 during the 2023/24 season, prior to his move to Pau.

Born and raised in South London, Williams attended Whitgift School before embarking on his journey in the professional game saw the tighthead play for Wasps, Nottingham and Jersey Reds, before landing in the West Country where he would excel with Exeter Chiefs.

In an eight-year spell at Sandy Park, the now 33-year-old made 162 appearances and played a pivotal role in the most successful period in the Club’s history.

Williams featured heavily throughout campaigns that saw the West Country club crowned Premiership champions in 2017, before completing an historic Domestic and European Cup double in 2020.

“I’m excited to be returning to the Premiership and joining Harlequins - it’s a great club with a huge fanbase,” said Williams.

“When the opportunity came up it felt like a great fit for me and feels like I’m coming home having grown up nearby in South London. I can’t wait to get started, give my all for the Club and learn from a top scrum coach in Adam Jones.

“Harlequins were the first team I ever went to watch with my Dad when I was younger, so the move feels like a full circle moment – I’m super excited to run out and play at The Stoop.”

Head Coach Danny Wilson added: “Harry is a great addition to our forward pack heading into next season. He’s a proven tighthead with experience at the top level of the game and adds depth to our front row options.

“He’s a powerful ball carrier and top scrummager, which will help us set a platform to play our style of rugby. We’re looking forward to welcoming Harry into the Club this summer.”

Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions

The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player's career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.

While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.

From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.

2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker

Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.

Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.

However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.

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2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
Additional events to be announced

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2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck

Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions' Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.

While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.

2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up

If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.

Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.

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2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend

Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.

Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked "terrified" according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.

2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?

The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.

Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.