Harlequins have strengthened their front-row resources for next season with the signing of England prop Paul Doran-Jones on a two-year contract.
The 27-year-old joins from Northampton Saints where he has been playing for the past two seasons.
He played for England at U18 as well as Ireland at U19 and U21 levels before finally declaring for England.
He made his international debut against Argentina during the 2009 November Tests and has since made three further appearances including being part of the team that won the Six Nations in 2011.
He was a member of the England squad that toured South Africa in June 2012.
"While we were disappointed to lose James Johnston we recognise the need to have an experienced player to come in to supplement the existing tighthead 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," said Harlequins director of rugby, Conor O'Shea.
"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."
Comments
Jediboy says...
Never really rated him. Doubt he will be missed. But we do need some new props.
Posted 19:58 29th January 2013
NHsaints says...
Damn, we didn't need that...now we need a big signing at tighthead (although Mercey can hold his own so I hope he gets some more gametime). PDJ has sporadic patches of good and bad scrummaging...Harlequins need to watch out for that especially with Marler having the same Problem...
Posted 17:37 29th January 2013
5Lock4ward says...
Saints are hemorrhaging props.
Posted 17:27 29th January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
We just need Irish to take a prop from Sarries and the circle is complete. Sarries take from Quinns take from Saints take from Irish take from... Or maybe we can make this go around all the squads. Recruiters must be laughing. A sign of a growing industry.
Posted 15:12 29th January 2013
12Counties says...
The Aviva merry-go-round continues. Any 1 club players left in England anymore?
Posted 13:59 29th January 2013
APV1 says...
Wow, what a coup!
With the Saints' front row in such turmoil, they're not going to be as good next season unless they sign some big players.
Posted 13:47 29th January 2013