England back-rower Clifford signs new Quins deal

England back-rower Jack Clifford has signed a new three-year contract with Harlequins.

The 25-year-old joined the Premiership club at the age of 13 and has gone on to earn 10 international caps after developing into a key man at The Stoop.

Clifford has agreed to extend his stay with Paul Gustard’s side as he gears up for England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin next weekend.

Quins head of rugby Gustard said: “Jack has developed from a kid with outstanding potential into a full international during his time at Harlequins and I have been privileged to have played a part in his burgeoning career when we first crossed paths in 2016 and now in my role here at Harlequins.

“He has shown the resilience, effort and desire to use the time he has been injured to come back and not only reintegrate into the side showing all the qualities that we know, but further to excel in a physically demanding position playing in a manner that has meant he has been a stand-out performer for us this season and gaining his selection with England. 

“He thoroughly deserves all the success that is sure to come his way for club and country. I am delighted that he believes in what we want to achieve as we believe in him and we are stronger moving forward with Jack in our squad.”

“It is a really exciting time to be here and I am so pleased to be a part of what I know will be a successful future at Harlequins. We all want to win trophies and we are going to have a lot of fun in our mission to get them.” #COYQ pic.twitter.com/EslWUmIV7o

— Harlequins (@Harlequins) January 27, 2019

Clifford said: “I am delighted to have signed my new contract with Harlequins. Under Gussy and the excellent team of coaches we have been building a winning environment, based on an uncompromising attitude in all that we do. 

“It is a really exciting time to be here and I am so pleased to be a part of what I know will be a successful future at Harlequins. We all want to win trophies and we are going to have a lot of fun in our mission to get them.”

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta