Premiership: Harlequins sign second row Irne Herbst from Benetton

Dylan Coetzee

2H14XGE Treviso, Italy. 16th Oct, 2021. Irne Herbst (Benetton Treviso) during Benetton Rugby vs Ospreys, United Rugby Championship match in Treviso, Italy, October 16 2021 Credit: Independent Photo Agency/Alamy Live News

Harlequins have announced the signing of South African second row Irne Herbst from Benetton, who will join the club at the end of the season.

Herbst spent five years at United Rugby Championship side Benetton after representing the Southern Kings and Bulls. The second-row played for South Africa Schools and South Africa U-20 during his time in Pretoria.

Physicality boost

Head coach Tabai Matson is delighted with the signing as he was looking to add more physicality to his options in the second-row.

“We’re delighted to announce that Irné will be joining us next season. We have been looking to secure the signing of a physically dominant second row and Irne is someone we believe will fit in well within our system,” Matson told Harlequins’ official website.

“Irné has proven during his time throughout the age grades in South Africa and within the highest level of club rugby that he is a relentless, hard-working lock that can offer a point of difference for us around the park and at the set-piece.

“When we first spoke with Irné we were impressed by his aspirations in the game; his desire to keep growing and the challenge the English Premiership will present him. We’re excited to welcome him into the Harlequins fold this summer.”

Herbst is looking forward to joining the Premiership side and cannot wait to contribute to the team’s success.

“I’m delighted to have signed with Harlequins. To join such a prestigious team within English rugby and the current Premiership champions is a fantastic opportunity,” Herbst said.

“Harlequins play one of the most famous brands of rugby in the world at the moment and an attacking style that’s so clearly connected to the team’s history and DNA. I’m looking forward to putting in the work and playing my part in the team.

“This is a team that is very clear on how they want to play and how they want to operate and I’m eager to get stuck in next season.”

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