Harlequins welcome new players to the academy
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Harlequins can confirm today (Thursday 5th May) that four players will join its Academy next season.
Dino Lamb-Cona, Gabriel Ibitoye and Niall Saunders from Harlequins’ Elite Player Development Group (EPDG) and Jonas Mikalcius from Hartpury College will all join the Club for the 2016/17 season.
Academy Manager, Tony Diprose commented on the announcement: “We are delighted to welcome four very talented players into our Academy set up for next season. Each player has impressed the Academy coaches with their obvious rugby ability and commitment throughout this season.
“Through joining the Academy on a full time basis, I have no doubt these players will continue to develop and learn from the nurturing environment at Harlequins and through the mentorship and advice from coaches and players at the Club. I look forward to seeing the four of them progress and grow in this early stage of their rugby careers.”
Player
profiles
Gabriel Ibitoye – Centre / Wing / Full back
Gabriel has been with the Club since the age of 12. He has represented England U16s and captained England U18s in this time, most recently appearing for his country in this year’s Five Nations tournament. The 18 year-old Trinity School student has appeared in a number of Harlequins’ ‘A’ and U18s games throughout this season and also represented the Club in the 2015 Singha Premiership Rugby Sevens Series.
Niall Saunders – Scrum-half
Niall is a product of Epsom College and Cobham RFC. The 18 year-old scrum-half has elite rugby in his blood with his father Rob having captained and played scrum-half for Ireland.
Niall has played in Harlequins’ U18s games this season and represented Ireland at U18, U19 and U20 levels.
Dino Lamb-Cona – Back Row
Dino is capable of playing in the second and back row, making the six foot five forward a diverse young player.
The 18-year old has been a constant feature in this season’s Aviva ‘A’ League campaign and was recently involved in England U18s Five Nations win. The forward played for Worthing RFC junior section from 2006-2009 and is currently studying his A Levels in Geography, Design and Physical Education at Cranleigh School.
Jonas Mikalcius - Wing
Jonas currently studies at Hartpury College and is Hartpury RFC’s top try scorer. The 21 year-old Lithuanian winger has already scored 21 National League One tries this season, including four hat-tricks.
The try scoring machine will join the Academy next year whilst also completing his Strength and Conditioning degree at Hartpury.
