Harlequins dip into semi-pro French league to ‘reinforce options’ after Danny Care retirement
Danny Care after his final Harlequins match in May
Life after Danny Care at Harlequins had another sequel on Wednesday with the recruitment of a familiar face from the Nationale in France.
The 38-year-old Care called it quits at the end of last season following incredible longevity at the Stoop, and Danny Wilson has now made his latest move in the market to replace the ex-England scrum-half.
Wilson had already signed Stu Townsend from Exeter to share the load at No.9 with Will Porter, Jake Murray and the injury-rehabbing Lucas Friday, the 2024 World Rugby Junior Championship winner with England.
Further depth to the position has now been added with the signing of Max Green. Following six seasons with Bath, he arrived in London for a one-year stay in 2023.
“Someone who knows the club…”
There were seven appearances off the Gallagher Premiership bench that 2023/24 season, just one as a starter, as well as a cameo off the bench in the Champions Cup quarter-final win at Bordeaux.
He switched to the French third tier last term but has now rejoined Harlequins, who are hoping he will “hit the ground running” for the 2025/26 season.
A statement read: “Harlequins are pleased to announce scrum-half Max Green has re-joined the club on a season-long deal as injury cover.
“Green’s arrival bolsters Danny Wilson’s options at scrum-half, which already include Will Porter, new signing Stu Townsend, Jake Murray, and Lucas Friday, who has made a significant collective effort in his rehab and is set to return from a knee injury mid-season.
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“The 29-year-old first joined Quins ahead of the 2023/24 season, in which he featured on nine occasions, including the famous Champions Cup quarter-final triumph over Union Bordeaux-Begles.
“The scrum-half returns to The Stoop after plying his trade in France’s Nationale league with CA Perigueux Dordogne, where he made 20 appearances and scored three tries on route to securing a play-off spot with the French side.
“Green started his rugby journey at Yorkshire Carnegie and has previously represented England at U20 level. In 2017, Green made the move to the West Country to join Bath Rugby, where he would spend six seasons that included loan spells both at Jersey Reds and Bristol Bears.”
Harlequins boss Wilson said: “We are pleased to have Max back with us to reinforce our options at scrum half for the season ahead. He is someone who knows the club and a lot of the playing squad, which will aid his transition and hopefully allow him to hit the ground running.”
Green added: “I’m chuffed to be back at Harlequins. I really enjoyed my first spell at the club and we have got some cracking lads here, so it was an easy decision for me to come back.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and doing my bit for the team to help make it a successful season.”
