PREM latest: England hopeful makes decision on long-term future as Newcastle Red Bulls tie down homegrown ace
Jack Kenningham and George McGuigan have both penned new deals with Harlequins and Newcastle
Harlequins ace Jack Kenningham has committed his future to the South West London outfit, penning a new contract extension to continue his time at the Stoop.
The academy graduate made his senior debut for the club in 2021 against Newcastle, and has since gone onto make a total of 85 appearances at the time of writing.
His form has also seen him thrust into the Test discussion, too, featuring for England A and England XV last season, before earning a spot in Steve Borthwick’s wider training squad for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series.
‘I’m excited for the next few years and where we can go as team’
Commenting on his new deal, Kenningham said: “I’m over the moon to be staying on. It’s the place I have come through the Academy and broken into the First Team, and I am loving life playing for this club.
“Going from supporter into the Academy and onto the First Team is special – it’s hard to put into words how it feels. I’m excited for the next few years and where we can go as team, there is a lot of potential.
“I feel so close to so many of the supporters and many of my friends and family love coming to The Stoop. The club has been a big part of my life, and I feel as though Quins is part of me. I’m delighted to be staying on and continue playing for this club.”
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Also commenting, Harlequins senior coach, Jason Gilmore, added: “Jack is all energy. He brings it throughout the week in our environment and on the training pitch, and it’s clear to see in his performance at the weekend.
“He’s building big performances back-to-back against big teams, which is great to see. Jack also has a good skillset in the lineout too and that’s key for any elite back rower at the next level.
“He’s a product of the club’s Academy and another great example to the younger lads we have coming through the Senior Academy now. We’re delighted he’s committed his future to the club.”
Newcastle Red Bulls tie down George McGuigan
Elsewhere, Newcastle Red Bulls have made another retention call, with George McGuigan penning a new one-year deal with the club.
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The North Yorkshire-native came up through the club’s academy, and is now in his third stint at the club after previous spells with Leicester Tigers and Gloucester.
In total, McGuigan has notched 179 appearances for the club, scoring 52 tries in the process.
As part of the deal, he also has a further option to extend.
Commenting on his extension, McGuigan said: “This is where I call home, and I’ve enjoyed being back up here this season. There has obviously been a lot of change, which is ongoing, and we’re building all the time.
“It’s a club that’s definitely going places, and long may that continue.”
Newcastle Red Bulls’ sporting general manager, Neil McIlroy, added: “George has taken on a leadership role with us this season as one of our most experienced players, and I’ve been really impressed with how he has conducted himself.
“As well as the impact he has made behind the scenes he continues to play to a very high standard, and I’m happy that we have retained such a major asset.”