London Scottish have signed Toby Freeman, a player who has made over 100+ appearances in the Championship, ahead of the 2020/21 season.
The powerful second row forward joins the Exiles from a side who play just down the road at the Stoop in the Premiership, Harlequins.
Having started off his career down in Cornwall playing for Penryn, the now 32-year-old moved to Devon to study an undergraduate degree in sports science and then a masters in sports psychology at Exeter University. Whilst studying he also played for the Chiefs (2007-2010).
✍️Join us in welcoming @Toby__Freeman!
— London Scottish Rugby (@LSFCOfficial) June 1, 2020
The powerful second row forward joins London Scottish from @premrugby side @Harlequins for the 2020/21 season. #WelcomeToby👋 pic.twitter.com/gaAFRZTIbR
Once graduated, Freeman moved to Spain to play in the Basque country for AMPO Ordizia where he stayed for two years. On his return to the UK in 2012 he signed with Rotherham Titans for two seasons. He then joined up with Nottingham in 2014 before returning to Cornwall in 2017, but this time playing for the Pirates.
At the end of the 2018/19 season Harlequins came calling and Freeman signed his first Premiership contract.
JOIN THE RUCK
On joining London Scottish Freeman said: “I feel very privileged to have been presented with this opportunity to keep playing elite rugby whilst transitioning into a new career as a financial adviser. There are a lot of guys who don’t have that option to have both a rugby career and a career away from the pitch. I feel very lucky to be able to do that and also play next season at a club as well regarded as Scottish. I’m really looking forward to it.
“When I spoke with Matt Williams, despite it only being over the phone due to the current lockdown, he convinced me very quickly that Scottish was going to be the right club for me. Matt’s a very enthusiastic guy and he’s putting together a very competitive squad.”
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.