Harlequins have signed 20-year-old second row Matas Jurevicius from London Scottish.
He moves to Twickenham Stoop following an impressive rise through the age grades. After an impressive Colts campaign during the 2017/18 season that saw the promising young forward tour with the England Counties U18s side, Jurevicius earned a first XV contract as a 17-year-old ahead of the 2018/19 season, going on to earn selection for the England Counties U20s side.
A regular starter during the 2019/20 Championship season, Jurevicius played a prime role in London Scottish’s campaign before seeing the season curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Commenting on his signing with Harlequins, Jurevicius said: “It means a lot, it’s a big dream realised for me and my Dad, it’s a big step forward. He is a Harlequins fan, our first game together was at a Harlequins game.
“I remember when I was younger, we had a little tournament not far from the stadium, and the club that won got to wave the flags to let the teams run out. We didn’t win the tournament, but we got to watch the game and the atmosphere was amazing – that was my first rugby game as well, going to a stadium, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
“I’m looking forward to having Paul [Gustard’s] experience in coaching. I can’t wait to improve my rugby as well, and to meet everyone at the Club. I’m excited to meet all the boys.”
LIST | 4 Big-Money Signings Who Flopped at Harlequins
Harlequins have welcomed more false dawns than most clubs – as highlighted by their misfortune in the transfer market when it comes to exciting signings that ultimately proved disappointing.
1. Paul Doran-Jones
They signed the England international prop from Northampton in 2013 with then boss Conor O'Shea saying: "Not only is Paul talented, at his age he will only get better." However, after two disappointing seasons at the Stoop, making just 19 appearances, he left to rejoin Gloucester.
2. Demetri Catrakilis
The highly-rated South African fly-half made the move to England to join Premiership side Harlequins prior to the 2017–2018 season. However, he'd make just 13 appearances for the club over two seasons unfortunately dominated by injury. He then left Quins to join Pro 14 side Izuzu Southern Kings
3. Paul Sackey
The speedster returned to England following stints with Toulon and Stade Francais to play for Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership for the 2013/14 season. However, following one less than impressive season at Twickenham Stoop, scoring just two tries, the England international hung up his boots.
4. Niki Goneva
Described by the club as ‘a real coup’ and ‘deadly finisher’ when the winger joined from relegated Newcastle Falcons ahead of the 2019/20 season. However, it appears that the 35-year-old, who has been a prolific try scorer throughout his career, is finally starting to slow down. He didn’t cross the whitewash in his six Premiership outings for Quins this season.
