Harlequins confirm 2016/17 departing players

Harlequins have confirmed today that six senior and two Academy players will leave the Club following the conclusion of the 2016/17 season.

Matt Shields, Owen Evans, George Naoupu, Dan Murphy, Luc Jones and Tyler Gendall will depart from Harlequins’ senior squad, while Niall Saunders and Robbie Nairn will leave the Academy with Niall being released from his current contract.

Shields, who has made 17 appearances, joined Harlequins in February 2015 from Darlington Mowden Park RFC. The tighthead prop quickly found himself starting regularly in the Premiership.

Loosehead prop Evans has made 25 appearances for Harlequins since making his debut against Calvisano in December 2015.

Joining Harlequins as injury cover solely for the current season, Naoupu, Murphy, Jones and Gendall will all also depart.

Academy member Nairn came to Harlequins in 2015 and regularly featured in the Singha 7s Series, helping Harlequins to successive Finals Days, at The Stoop and the Ricoh Arena.

Niall Saunders, who joined the Club before this season, has asked to be released from his current contract and Harlequins has agreed to this for personal medical reasons.

Commenting on the news, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: “I would like to thank Matt, Owen, George, Dan, Luc, Tyler, Robbie and Niall. Each in their own way have made an impact within our squad and I know everyone at Harlequins, including the supporters, are very grateful for what they have done during their time here. I wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”