Swainston signs for Harlequins

Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Wasps tighthead prop Phil Swainston, who will join the Twickenham Stoop outfit from July 2017.

An established Premiership prop, the 27-year-old has made over 80 appearances for Wasps since joining in 2012. The former Leeds man, who began his career at Harrogate, was called into the 2012/13 England Saxons squad to play Scotland A.

On announcing the news, Harlequins director of rugby, John Kingston said: “I am delighted that we have secured the services of Phil. He is a proven and experienced tighthead prop who will give us the necessary strength in depth in a key position.

“In my conversations with him, he has displayed a real hunger to be a regular starter and I have no doubt he will provide strong competition for the other props in our squad.”

Swainston said: “The opportunity to join Harlequins was one that I just couldn’t turn down. To be able to work under the expert guidance of Graham Rowntree and Adam Jones is something that I’m really excited about.

“My attention will turn to Harlequins in the summer, but for now I will be doing all that I can to finish the season with Wasps on a high. I am really grateful for the help and support that Dai Young and Wasps have given me during my time.”