The Club | Harlequins Rugby Union | Official Site : Harlequins strengthens front row resources

You could be forgiven for forgetting that summer is just around the corner especially whilst checking the thermometers. But we are only a matter of weeks away from the school summer holidays and the start of the Harlequins Community Summer Camps.

Harlequins have teamed up with NatWest to offer three pairs of tickets to Harlequins fans to watch England play the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday 26th May (Kick-off 1.00pm).

Harlequins has strengthened its front row resources for next season with the signing of Paul Doran-Jones, the England prop forward, on a two year contract.

The 27-year-old joins from Northampton Saints where he has been playing for the past two seasons.

Born in Enfield, North London, to an Irish mother and English father, Paul was educated at Wellington College in Berkshire before going to Ireland to join the Leinster Academy. His rugby education continued at London Welsh and Gloucester before moving to Franklin's Gardens.

He played for England at Under 18 and Ireland at Under 19 and 21 levels before finally declaring for England. He made his international debut against Argentina during the 2009 Autumn Internationals and has since made three further appearances including being part of the team that won the Six Nations Championship in 2011. He was a member of the England squad that toured South Africa in June 2012.

Announcing the signing today (29^th January), Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O'Shea said, "While we were disappointed to lose James Johnston we recognise the need to have an experienced player to come in to supplement the existing tight head talent we have at the club in Will Collier and Kyle Sinckler. With that in mind we are very fortunate to be able to bring in a player of Paul's ability.

"Not only is Paul talented, at his age he will only get better. He comes from a fabulous club and has been coached by one of the best forwards coaches in the country so I have no doubt he will add greatly to what we have at Harlequins. We look forward to welcoming him to The Stoop at the start of next season."

Commenting on his move to the current Aviva Premiership champions, Paul Doran-Jones said, "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play at the best club in the Premiership. The team play with smiles on their faces, a sure sign that they enjoy their style of rugby. I'm looking forward to being part of that, to improving my game and to working with the coaches and players to contribute to further success for Harlequins. In the meantime, I'm committed to doing my best for everyone at Northampton Saints and helping the club to a great finish to the season."

Player Profile at a Glance

Name: Paul Doran-Jones (27)

Position: Prop forward

International caps: England (4)

Date of Birth: 2^nd May 1985

Former Clubs: London Welsh, Gloucester, Northampton Saints

Height: 1.88m (6' 2")

Weight: 116kg (18st 3lbs)