Harlequins Sign Welsh Legends Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones for 2024-25 Season

 

Harlequins Sign Welsh Legends Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones for 2024-25 Season

Harlequins have made a significant statement ahead of the 2024-25 Premiership season by signing former Wales and British & Irish Lions stars Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones.

Full-back Halfpenny, 35, joins Harlequins after completing the Super Rugby Pacific season with the Crusaders in New Zealand. Head coach Danny Wilson expressed his excitement about the acquisition on the Harlequins website: "His experience speaks for itself and he will bring plenty of leadership, expertise, and high standards to our squad. He's an incredible athlete, highly skillful, and adaptive across multiple positions. We're confident he'll make a strong impact at Quins this season."

Loose-head prop Jones, 32, arrives at the Stoop from Scarlets, having earned 48 Test caps for Wales and played once for the Lions. Jones brings a wealth of experience and strength to Harlequins' front row, further solidifying their forward pack.

Halfpenny's move to Harlequins marks his first foray into the Premiership, having previously played for Welsh sides Cardiff Rugby and Scarlets, and spending three years in France with Toulon. After making his Wales debut in 2008, Halfpenny became a legend of European rugby, earning 101 caps for his country and winning Six Nations Grand Slams in 2012 and 2019. He also featured in three World Cups and was named Player of the Series on the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, which saw the Lions secure a 2-1 series victory.

Halfpenny will provide valuable back-up for Tyrone Green, currently the only specialist full-back in Harlequins' senior squad. Speaking about his move, Halfpenny said, "I'm excited to join Quins and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with such an iconic club. I have always admired the Premiership and I'm keen to grab this opportunity with both hands and contribute to the Quins DNA."

Wyn Jones, known for his solid scrummaging and work rate, is expected to bolster the Harlequins' front row, bringing experience and resilience to the squad. His move from Scarlets adds another layer of depth to the team, enhancing their competitive edge for the upcoming season.

With these high-profile signings, Harlequins have demonstrated their ambition and commitment to competing at the highest level. Fans eagerly await the impact Halfpenny and Jones will have on the field as they integrate into the Harlequins' setup.