Harlequins have today confirmed prop Will Collier will depart the Club at the end of the 2023/24 season to embark on a new playing opportunity in the French Top 14.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The Club stalwart will depart Quins as a two-time Gallagher Premiership winner, with more than 240 appearances to his name and two caps for England.
The Academy graduate joined the Club in 2009 and made his debut in the LV= Cup match against Wasps in Abu Dhabi in 2011. He has since achieved 241 appearances over 13 seasons, playing a key role in the Club’s Premiership titles in 2012 and 2021.
Quins Scrum Coach Adam Jones said: “Col has been an integral member of our squad for the past 13 years. He’s a true Harlequin and has made an enormous contribution on and off the pitch. I am sad to see Col go but we support and understand his desire for a fresh challenge. We wish Col, his wife Kate and their two boys every success, I know he will embrace the lifestyle and make a big impact on the pitch, and we thank him for his outstanding service to our Club.”
Commenting on his departure, Collier added: “Having been part of Harlequins since the age of 14, I have been lucky enough to call The Stoop home for almost 20 years. I have been a lifelong fan of this Club and playing here has been a dream come true. Some of my greatest friends and memories have come from my time at Quins.
“It has been a tough decision to leave but I feel now is the right time to take on a new challenge and adventure in France. To our incredible fans, the staff, and the coaches, and all the players I have taken the field with, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. It’s been some journey. I look forward to an exciting finish to our season. COYQ!”
Saracens have now confirmed SEVEN first team leavers, it’s the end of an era
Saracens growing list of leavers for the end of the 2024/25 Premiership season has reached six with a number of internationals departing the men in black
Owen Farrell to Racing 92
Racing 92 made headlines by confirming the acquisition of Owen Farrell, the esteemed England and Saracens fly-half.
Farrell, 32, will embark on a new journey with the French Top 14 side, commencing a two-year contract on July 1st.
Throughout his illustrious career, Farrell has been a stalwart at Saracens, captaining the team and accruing accolades since his debut at the StoneX Stadium at the tender age of 17.
Owen Farrell's move to France will make him one of the best rugby plauers in the world
Christian Judge to Beziers
Judge, renowned for his contributions to Saracens, is set to embrace a fresh challenge with Pro D2 outfit Beziers.
The 31-year-old, who has donned jerseys for various clubs including Launceston, Plymouth Albion, and Worcester Warriors, expressed gratitude for his time at Saracens while eagerly anticipating the prospects in France.
“To have been given the opportunity to represent Saracens again is one I’m incredibly grateful for," he told the club's official webiste.
"I’d like to take this moment to thank all of the coaches, staff, my fellow team mates, and everyone involved with the club for making my experience an enjoyable one. I’d also like to thank all of the fans for their unwavering support.
"As a club, we have a big few months ahead and hopefully we can end on a high. For me personally, I’m excited for a new challenge in France and all it has in store!"
Tom West to Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints secured the signing of Tom West, the experienced loose-head prop from Saracens.
With a career trajectory spanning Wasps and Leicester before his tenure in north London, West aims to fortify Saints' scrum and set-piece prowess while contributing to the team's flourishing style of play.
"The club is playing some fantastic rugby at the moment and on a personal level I've got a great feeling about playing in Northampton," West told the club website, external.
"I think I can really add a point of difference in the scrum and in the set-piece."
Alex Lexington (Retired)
In a bittersweet moment for Sarries fans, Alex Lexington bids farewell to the sport after an illustrious 15-year journey.
Lexington's prolific try-scoring abilities have left an indelible mark on the Gallagher Premiership, notably during his tenure with Leicester Tigers, London Irish, and Saracens.
His legacy, marked by 62 Premiership tries and numerous titles, exemplifies excellence and dedication.
Man of the Match Alex Lewington of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Park, London on May 4. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Billy Vunipola (Released)
The number eight has been one of the greatest players in the history of the club and will depart for a new challenge after a remarkable 11-year spell in North London. Vunipola, who has played for the Men in Black on 194 occasions, has won an incredible five Premiership trophies and three European titles during his time at StoneX Stadium.
The 31-year-old originally joined Sarries in 2013 as a 20-year-old after bursting on to the scene at Wasps and turned in a world class player as his game went from strength to strength. Becoming a household name due to his barnstorming performances, he was central to the success for Sarries.
A try in the 2019 European Cup Final in Newcastle against Leinster put his side en route to their third Champions Cup crown, making him a firm fan favourite at StoneX. On the international stage he made the England number eight shirt his own, gaining 75 caps for his country, winning three Six Nations titles, one Grand Slam, and securing second and third in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
During the 2016 Grand Slam winning year he was nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year Award.
Billy, who will be looking to sign off from Saracens duty on a high, had these words for everyone at the club. “It’s been a honour to represent the people and this great club, through the highs and lows I’ve enjoyed it all. I will treasure my time here for the rest of my life!”
Manu Vunipola (Released)
The 24-year-old fly-half, who emerged from Saracens' academy, has amassed an impressive 77 appearances during his tenure.
Vunipola made his debut as a teenager in 2019, and has had an incredible journey in North London, winning two Premiership titles, a Championship trophy and the Champions Cup.
He has represented England at both Under 18s and Under 20s level, underlining his huge potential moving forward.
Manu had these words for everyone at Saracens.
“My time at this wonderful club is coming to an end this summer and I just wanted to thank everyone for all their help and support throughout my time here.
"I started as a young 14 year old in the academy and can proudly say I’ve played a senior game for this team which was always a dream of mine.
"I’m so thankful for the memories I’ve made here, so thankful to the players who’ve helped me past and present and to the fans who have been patient with me and supported me, thank you.
"I leave with so many great memori
Mako Vunipola (Released)
The prop, who has been one of the leading figures in the sport for over a decade will bring down the curtain on a sparkling career at StoneX Stadium as he starts a new chapter for himself and his family. The 33-year-old is one of the great success stories of the incredible journey at Sarries.
He joined the academy back in 2011 and after climbing the ranks he went on to win five Premiership titles and three European trophies in North London during 229 appearances.
His extraordinary longevity at the top level of the sport is demonstrated by being selected for three consecutive British and Irish Lions Tours in 2013, 2017 and 2021, and featuring in all nine test matches during the tours of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For England he gained 79 caps, won one Grand Slam, three Six Nations titles and will go down as one of the very best props to put on the famous white shirt.
Vunipola thanked everyone at Saracens for a glittering career. “I’m grateful for everything this club has given me. I’ve grown up at this place and it will be forever in my heart. Thank you.”
