: "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."
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.
Will Joseph of London Irish participates in a warm-up drill ahead of the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Saracens at the Gtech Community Stadium, Hounslow, London on Friday 23rd December 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
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."
#3. Chandler Cunningham-South
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of former London Irish back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South.
Cunningham-South is well equipped to play across both flanks and at number eight, making him a valuable asset for Harlequins. It is great to see that the promising young player will continue in the Premiership, after the 20-year-old's future was uncertain after the financial collapse of London Irish.
The 20-year-old, who grew up in New Zealand playing for North Harbour, Canterbury and Lincoln University, joined the London Irish Academy last year, before making his Premiership debut against Bath Rugby in May 2022.
Last season Cunningham-South made 19 Premiership appearances, proving a handful in attack and defence, with 73 carries, 91 tackles and three tries. He also played a key role for the Exiles in their Champions Cup campaign, playing all four pool matches against Montpellier and DHL Stormers.
Chandler Cunningham-South of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Leicester Tigers at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 25 February 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
Cunningham-South has gained international recognition, as he was called up for the England U20s squad. He has featured in the 2022 and 2023 U20s Six Nations, and is in the squad for the U20 World Championships.
Speaking ahead to the Harlequins website, Cunningham-South said: "I'm excited to be starting a new opportunity at Harlequins and extremely grateful for the chance to join the Club. I want to thank everyone at London Irish for the special memories and support. I loved my time playing for Irish and want to thank the supporters for the encouragement and thank my coaches and teammates for believing in me and helping me grow as a player and person.”
Try celebrations for Chandler Cunningham-South of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Leicester Tigers at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 25 February 2023 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: "It's pleasing to welcome Chandler to Quins and provide him with an opportunity to continue his career in the Premiership. I know how much the London Irish supporters loved watching him play last season, he's an excitement machine with plenty of power and versatility. We're excited for his continued development in Quins colours."
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#4. Joe Launchbury
Quins have signed the former Wasps second row on a multi-year deal. The England lock will join the Club this summer ahead of the 2023/24 season following a stint in Japan.
The 70-times-capped, 6ft5in and 126kg England lock returns to Harlequins having originally joined the Harlequins Academy as a 15-year-old playing for affiliate clubs Worthing and Horsham, staying with Quins until the age of 18 when he moved to Wasps.
Earning his Premiership debut as a teenager, Launchbury was named the Premiership’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2012/13 season.
The 31-year-old went on to establish himself as one of the premier locks in the country, becoming one of the most capped second rows in English history and going on to be named Wasps’ Club captain.
Commenting on his return to the Club, Launchbury said: “I'm glad to sign on with Quins. I have fond memories of my time here in the academy. I grew up playing with and against a number of the first team squad, so it has a somewhat familiar feel to come back to Harlequins."
“I’m looking forward to my time in Japan for the rest of this season, but am very excited for the new start with Harlequins over the summer.
“Quins have some of the richest history in the game and it’s been fascinating to hear how this group have tapped back into that Harlequins DNA of old over the last few seasons.
“With the style of rugby this squad plays, I know it will be an exciting setup to be a part of.”
#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.
Lovejoy Chawatama of London Irish during the Premiership Rugby Cup Semi Final match between London Irish and Gloucester Rugby at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 10 February 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
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
Lovejoy Chawatama of London Irish takes selfies with the crowd after the Gallagher Premiership rugby match between London Irish and Exeter Chiefs at The Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford, London on May 18 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
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.”
#6. Cameron Anderson
The 23-year-old joins Harlequins following a successful Championship campaign for London Scottish, playing a key role as Scottish finished the season with three wins from three to avoid relegation.
The back-three player, who featured on loan for Quins in the Premiership Cup against Sale Sharks, joins the Club as part of the strategic partnership with London Scottish.
Anderson began his senior career with Wasps Academy in 2018, before spending time on loan with Loughborough Students. He also represented Scotland U20 in 2019, selected for the U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship. He was elevated to the Wasps senior squad in 2021, before joining London Scottish in 2022.
Cameron Anderson
Commenting on his signing, Anderson said: “Joining Quins is a huge opportunity for me. I was fortunate to have played with a few of the lads last year at London Scottish, and all I’ve heard are positive words about the Club’s culture and ambition. The game style is fast-paced and gives players an opportunity to express themselves. I can’t wait to get started.”
Director of Performance Development Tabai Matson added: "Cameron is a great addition to our squad. We have been impressed with his form in the Championship and we're delighted to see him progress via our partnership with London Scottish. He's a talented athlete, with great speed and versality and we’re confident he will make a strong impact at Quins.”
#7. Dillon Lewis
Firstly, Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Wales international prop Lewis from Cardiff Rugby ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 27-year-old earned his 50th cap for Wales against France in this year’s Guinness Six Nations, and joins an experienced front row contingent at Harlequins supporting a strong contingent of Academy players establishing themselves into the 1st XV.
Commenting on his signing, Lewis said: “I am over the moon to have signed here and can’t wait to get going in the summer. I am looking forward to meeting the boys and playing at The Stoop”.
When asked around what he found attractive about joining Harlequins, Lewis responded: “Their brand of rugby and also seeing the culture and environment off the field as well. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Adam Jones and the likes of Joe Marler and Will Collier. I have big aspirations to improve as a player”.
Harlequins Scrum & Transition Coach Adam Jones, who briefly spent time at Cardiff Rugby with Lewis said: “I first saw him playing for the Cardiff Rugby Academy 8 years ago and I could immediately see that he was going to be a really good player.
"He joins a really talented pool of props at Harlequins and with great competition for places, they will push each other on.
"I look forward to welcoming Dillon in the summer and helping him develop his scrummaging to perform for Quins and Wales. Welcome to Harlequins Dillon!”
#9. Jarrod Evans
Quins have confirmed that fly-half Jarrod Evans will join the Club this summer, joining compatriot Dillon Lewis from Cardiff Rugby.
Commenting on his signing, Jarrod Evans said: “I’m really looking forward to coming up here. It’s a massive club with a great style of play. One of the things that really attracted me was playing in this league and I am looking forward to challenging myself”.
Evans has several close acquaintances at Harlequins already, knowing Alex Dombrandt, Luke Northmore and Marcus Smith well. He noted: “They’ve got some really classy players here – I’m looking forward to get going with them”. Evans has also worked with several of the Harlequins coaching team previously, including Billy Millard, Danny Wilson and Adam Jones and concluded: “When we come up here, it will make the transition easier. I can’t wait to get going!”
Jarrod Evans of Cardiff Rugby kicks the conversion during the European Champions Cup Group Match Cardiff Rugby and Harlequins at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff on 14 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Harlequins Attack Coach Nick Evans said: “We are all excited to welcome Jarrod into our environment to add to the talent we have in the fly-half stable. Jarrod is an extremely exciting player with attributes to add to the Quins identity and style”.
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