Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Joe Launchbury for the 2023/24 season.
It was first reported that Quins were set to sign Launchbury on The Rugby Paper’s front page by Jon Newcombe over a month ago.
And though Launchbury will be heading to Japan for this season to play for Toyota Verblitz, he has chosen a return to England over playing for Racing 92 next campaign.
Exeter-born Launchbury was at Quins’ academy as a youngster, but dropped aged 18 before he re-built his career at Wasps via National League Two Worhting RFC.
Commenting on his return, he said: “I’m glad to sign on with Quins. I have fond memories of my time here in the academy. I grew up playing with and against a number of the first team squad, so it has a somewhat familiar feel to come back to Harlequins.”
“I’m looking forward to my time in Japan for the rest of this season, but am very excited for the new start with Harlequins over the summer.
“Quins have some of the richest history in the game and it’s been fascinating to hear how this group have tapped back into that Harlequins DNA of old over the last few seasons.
“With the style of rugby this squad plays, I know it will be an exciting setup to be a part of.”
The signing of Launchbury for next season is a huge coup for Quins, and largely helped by the freeing up of salary cap funds with the upcoming departure of Joe Marchant.
Since Launchbury’s departure from the academy, the second row position has increasingly become a problem area for Harlequins, exacerbated by the retirement of Olly Kohn in 2013, departure of George Robson in 2015, and retirement of Matt Symons earlier this year.
Stephan Lewies, the 2021 champions’ club captain, has continually struggled with injuries during his time at the club, but Harlequins opted to sign Josh Bassett (also formerly of Wasps) as immediate injury cover with them suffering issues in the back three this season as well.
Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “We are delighted to welcome Joe back to Harlequins. He is one of the best English locks of his generation. Earning 70 caps for your country and over 170 for a club as prestigious as Wasps, many as their captain, is no mean feat.
“Joe’s a gentleman of the game but is no slouch when it comes to the most physical part of the sport. We are glad to be able to offer Joe his next role in rugby alongside some familiar faces in his fellow England teammates.
“I know our supporters will be sure to give Joe a warm welcome.”
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