Promising lock commits to Harlequins

As revealed by Neil Fissler in The Rugby Paper on December 4, Harlequins have managed to keep hold of George Merrick for the foreseeable future.
The highly-rated lock was believed to have been on the radar of Saracens but he has penned a new contract with Quins.
Joining the club’s academy in 2011 from Whitgift College, Merrick was part of the England U20s squad that won the Grand Slam in 2012.
Having made his Harlequins debut in the 2013 London Double Header, the 6′ 8” second row has gone on to make 43 appearances for Harlequins.
He said: “I’m really excited and thankful that Harlequins has given me the opportunity to stay. This is a great opportunity for me to learn under the guidance of Nick Easter and Graham Rowntree.
“John Kingston is doing a great job at the Club and I want to help him and the squad reach their goals in the near future.
“Harlequins has always been a home for me, I have been here since I was 14 and I have grown up with many of the lads including Jack Clifford and Kyle Sinckler; I’m really excited to continue being a part of this squad.”
Director of Rugby Kingston commented: “I am delighted that George has signed a contract extension, committing his long-term future to the Club.
“He is another outstanding product of our Academy and I have no doubt that with a continued progression under the shrewd guidance of our excellent coaching group, he can go on to international honours in the not too distant future.”