NEC Harlequins are delighted to announce that the following players will be joining the club for the 2003/2004 season:
Mike Worsley (London Irish and England) - Loose Head Prop
Mike is 26 years-old and made his England debut in this years Six Nations Championship match against Italy. He is joining Quins on a three-year contract.
Siua (Josh) Taumalolo (Bridgend and Tonga) - Full Back / Centre
Josh is 26 years-old and has played 26 times for Tonga; winning his last cap in November 2001. He is a powerful runner and is joining Quins on a two-year contract.
Gavin Duffy (Connacht and Ireland A) - Full Back / Centre
Gavin is 21 years-old and has played for Ireland A on five occasions. He is joining Quins on a two-year contract.
Ben Willis (Leinster and Ireland A) - Scrum Half
Ben is 26 years-old and graduated through the New Zealand age groups before moving to Ireland and representing the Ireland A side. He joins Quins on a two-year contract.
Andy Dunne (Leinster and Ireland Under 21's) - Fly Half
Andy is 23 years-old and has represented Ireland Schools, Ireland Under 19's and Under 21's. He played for Clontarff in the All Ireland finals last weekend and is joining Quins on a two-year contract.
Simon Keogh (Leinster) - Scrum Half / Wing
Simon is 27 years-old and joins Quins on a one-year contract.
In addition to the above, the following players have recently renewed their contracts for the new season:
- Bill Davison (One Year)
- Pat Sanderson (One Year)
- Jon Dawson (Two Years)
- James Hayter (Two Years)
- Tani Fuga (Three Years)
- Ceri Jones (Two Years)
- Mel Deane (Two Years)
As always at this time of year, there are also a number of players leaving NEC Harlequins. These are as follows:
Retiring from club rugby -
- Keith Wood
Contract not renewed -
- Matthew Powell
- David Slemen
- Alex Mockford
- Darryl Griffin
New contract offered, but declined -
- Bruce Starr
- Dan Luger
- Ben Gollings
Players requesting a release from their contract -
- Alex Codling
In addition to the above, Nathan Williams will not be taking up the option of a further year on his contract due to personal reasons.
At this time, NEC Harlequins would expect to announce one further signing at some stage over the summer.