Quins lock in Landajo's cover

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have revealed that Charlie Mulchrone has signed a playing contract extension, which will keep him at the Club until the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, providing cover for Martin Landajo.

Following the conclusion of his playing contract, the scrumhalf will immediately join the coaching staff as Harlequins Academy Transition Coach.

The 30-year-old joined Harlequins ahead of the 2016/17 season from Worcester Warriors and has gone on to make 37 senior appearances in all competitions.

Qualified to play for both England and Ireland, the Manchester-born British and Irish Cup winner, brother of London Irish centre Fergus, previously captained RFU Championship side Rotherham Titans.

Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “Charlie is a highly valued member of the squad and is well respected by all players and support staff alike with his consistent and competitive nature. He is a straightforward human being with good values and morals and exhibits the kind of behaviours that we want at the club – those that I know underpin highly successful organisations and teams.

“We would like to thank him for his continued service to the Club, his decision to stay with us and we look forward to his contribution during this important period on and off the field.

“With Martin most likely to be away and, of course we still hope that the evergreen DC is called up, we needed to make sure we have appropriate high-level cover to assist the exciting Niall Saunders as we start the season. Charlie had a frustrating time last season with injury, and I know he is very keen to hit the ground running in preseason.”

Mulchrone added: “I am really pleased to be extending my contract with Quins.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time so far – especially working with Paul and the outstanding group of coaches and players that we have here. It has been an honour to wear this shirt over the last few years and I’m excited to have the opportunity to do so again as we enter the new season.

“Looking beyond my playing extension I am very excited at the prospect of becoming the Club’s Academy Transition Coach and supporting our next group of Academy players as they embark on their professional careers. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some incredible coaches throughout my career and I hope to bring the positive elements from each of them as I transition to coaching myself.”