Harlequins have confirmed that SIX senior players will leave the club at the end of the season.
Matt Shields, Owen Evans, George Naoupu, Dan Murphy, Luc Jones and Tyler Gendall will depart from Harlequins’ senior squad, while Niall Saunders and Robbie Nairn will leave the Academy with Niall being released from his current contract. Each player has made a valuable contribution during their respective careers at the Club.
Shields, who has made 17 appearances, joined Harlequins in February 2015 from Darlington Mowden Park RFC. The tighthead prop quickly found himself starting regularly in the Aviva Premiership, scrummaging against British and Irish Lions Alex Corbisiero, Tom Court and Mako Vunipola as well as New Zealand international, John Afoa in successive weeks.
Loosehead prop Evans has made 25 appearances for Harlequins since making his debut against Calvisano in December 2015.
Joining Harlequins as injury cover solely for the current season, Naoupu, Murphy, Jones and Gendall will all also depart.
Commenting on the news, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: “I would like to thank Matt, Owen, George, Dan, Luc, Tyler, Robbie and Niall. Each in their own way have made an impact within our squad and I know everyone at Harlequins, including the supporters, are very grateful for what they have done during their time here. I wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”
Tony Diprose, Harlequins Academy and Global Development Director added: “Both Robbie and Niall have made valuable contributions in their time in the Academy. We wish them well in their future careers.”