Harlequins sign Tom Penny for remainder of season

Newcastle Falcons centre Tom Penny has signed for Harlequins until the end of the 2019/20 season.

The 25-year-old has been brought into a Harlequins squad currently sitting sixth in the Gallagher Premiership to reinforce Paul Gustard and his coaching team’s options after a number of injuries for the side.

The versatile back, who can also operate at wing or full-back, made his first team debut for Newcastle Falcons in the LV= Cup in the 2013/14 season, before making his Premiership debut against Saracens in December 2014.

With a host of first team players injured/unavailable in the centre position such as Ben Tapuai, Joe Marchant, Francis Saili and most recently James Lang, Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard believes that Penny will be able to slot into the side quickly and be in a position to compete for game time at the Club.

“We are delighted to be able to bring Tom to the Club. With our deepening injury list, we have been looking for suitable reinforcements, and Tom is a player we have admired for a long time” said Gustard, who added: “he has a very good reputation as a player but importantly, also as a person.

“He has a comprehensive skill set and the ability to play in multiple positions, and with four centres currently out long term and two full backs, his coverage is essential.

“He comes here to compete and earn the right to play in the famous Quarters, and we look forward to welcoming him and his partner Millie to the Club.”

Upon joining Harlequins for the rest of the current campaign, Tom Penny said: “Harlequins is one of the great club rugby sides in the game, and a dream for any player to be able to run out at The Stoop in the famous Quarters.

“I can’t wait to be back playing in the Premiership this season and will be giving my all to Harlequins in my time here, fighting hard to earn the right to play and learn from a group of talented players and coaches.”