Joe Marchant to depart Harlequins

Harlequins can confirm today that Joe Marchant will leave the Club at the end of the season.

Marchant will depart the Club following nine years at The Stoop, after joining the Senior Academy set-up in 2014 and making his senior debut the following year.

The 26-year-old back soon became a regular feature within the starting XV, earning over 130 appearances in the Famous Quarters to date and being an integral part of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership winning side.

Marchant went on to achieve international recognition with England as well as working with Harlequins to develop a short-term loan spell with Super Rugby outfit the Auckland Blues in 2020 to develop his experience and skills.

Director of Rugby Performance Billy Millard said: “We will be sad to see Joe leave us at the end of the season - it’s been an absolute pleasure working with him over the last few years and watching him progress from our Academy. We had positive contract renewal discussions, and we would have loved for him to continue at The Stoop, but appreciate that he was given another opportunity that we could not compete with.

“Joe is one of the Academy’s more recent success stories, and we are proud that 69% of our current Men’s squad have come through it. This is fundamental to our DNA and we are really confident of the talent coming through this channel in the future.

“We remain on great terms with Joe and wish him well for the future. There will always be a home and place where he can come back to in the future, but for now, we look forward to the remainder of the season together.”

Commenting on his departure at the end of the season, Joe Marchant said: “I am very proud and grateful to have been part of Harlequins for the last 10 years. I’ve made some amazing memories on and off the field and made great friends along the way. This club has been a home to me and will always have a place in my heart.

“The time has come for me to depart the Club and I am excited for my next challenge ahead. I will make the most of every moment for the rest of this season proudly wearing my Quins shirt.

“Thank you for all the support!”