Harlequins have confirmed the signings of Cardiff and Wales duo Dillon Lewis and Jarrod Evans.
Tighthead prop Lewis will offset the summer departure of Wilco Louw, while fly-half Evans will slot in for Perpignan-bound Tommy Allan.
Lewis can continue his Wales career owing to his 50 caps, but playmaker Evans does not hit the 25-cap threshold to extend his Test chances while playing outside of his home country.
Evans will boost Harlequins’ options at fly-half alongside England star Marcus Smith, and his focus on club commitments proved another draw for the men from The Stoop.
“I’m really looking forward to coming up here, it’s a massive club with a great style of play,” said Evans. “One of the things that really attracted me was playing in this league and I am looking forward to challenging myself.
🤩 We are delighted to announce the signing of Welsh International fly-half Jarrod Evans ahead of the next season. Welcome @jaaaarod 🙌
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) April 11, 2023
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📦 Delivered by @dhlexpressuk#COYQ pic.twitter.com/ZjtfVfOCBg
“Harlequins have some really classy players, and I’m looking forward to getting going with them.”
Front-rower Lewis will bring significant Test experience with him to west London, with big boots to fill given the powerhouse Louw’s impending move to the Bulls in his native South Africa this summer.
“I am over the moon to have signed here and can’t wait to get going in the summer; I am looking forward to meeting the boys and playing at The Stoop,” said Lewis.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Adam Jones and the likes of Joe Marler and Will Collier; I have big aspirations to improve as a player.”
🤩 Harlequins are delighted to announce that Welsh International @dillon3_ will join the Club ahead of the 2023/2024 season!
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) April 11, 2023
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Scrum coach Jones admitted the first time he spotted Lewis he knew Welsh rugby were on the route to developing a quality operator.
“I first saw him playing for the Cardiff Rugby Academy eight years ago and I could immediately see that he was going to be a really good player,” said Jones.
“He joins a really talented pool of props at Harlequins and with great competition for places, they will push each other on.
“I look forward to welcoming Dillon in the summer and helping him develop his scrummaging to perform for Quins and Wales.”
