Harlequins Sign Australian International Duo

Kaitlan Leaney and Bella McKenzie have agreed new contracts with the Club which will see them return to Quins for the 2023/24 Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The pair arrived at Quins last season following the 2021 Rugby World Cup and quickly established themselves as mainstays in the matchday squad.

McKenzie’s career began in rugby league before switching to rugby union in 2016, where she quickly became one of Australia’s most exciting young talents. After joining Harlequins from the NSW Waratahs in 2022, alongside Leaney and Emily Chancellor, McKenzie had an impressive first season in the Premier 15s making 18 appearances and scoring 97 points. She was also named at inside centre in the 2022/23 Team of the Season.

Commenting on her new contract, McKenzie said: “I’m excited to be re-signing with Quins. I love this team and the organisation and feel like we have some unfinished business heading into the new season. Quins feels like a home away from home for me and I can’t wait to be back playing at The Stoop in the Quarters with the girls.”

Having made her debut for Australia against Fiji in March 2022, Leaney has been capped 11 times for the Wallaroos and become a consistent performer at Test level. The powerful lock made 18 appearances for Quins during her first season with the Club, playing in every Premier 15s match.

Commenting on her renewal, Leaney said: “I absolutely loved my time in the Quarters last season. Quins is an incredible Club that plays exciting rugby, and I have thrived being part of such a passionate group who strive to be better. I’m grateful for another season with Quins and I can’t wait to see how we go.”

Head Coach Amy Turner said: “Bella and Kaitlan were both standout performers last season, not just for us but across the league. They brought lots of energy to the group and we’re thrilled to have them back with us again next season.

“Bella has the ability to change a game through her power attacking vision. She has adapted well to being played out of position at centre, so much so that I believe she’s become one of the best 12s in the league.

"Kaitlan has been a physical presence in our pack particularly around the contact area. She has topped the chart for the most dominant tackles across the league and really led the charge for us alongside Emily Robinson and Katy Mew in defence.”

Bella McKenzie and Kaitlan Leaney are the latest players to commit to Harlequins, alongside new signings Flo Robinson, Abbie Fleming, Aseza Hele, Shaunagh Brown and Connie Powell, as well as Red Roses Lagi Tuima, Ellie Kildunne and Lucy Packer. Further announcements are due shortly which will continue to underline the Club's plan to develop the strongest women's rugby programme in the Northern Hemisphere.