Harlequins announce re-signing of hooker Joe Gray on two-year deal – Rugby News
English Rugby Union club, Harlequins, has announced the re-signing of their talented front row forwards player, Joe Gray. Officials at the club have confirmed signing a new two-year deal with Gray in a statement released on their website on Wednesday, September 14.
Gray’s new deal will allow him to remain at the Quins until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Joe Gray has expressed his satisfaction with the new contract, which for now has settled his career path. He praised the facilities provided by the club and the coaching staff assistance. He added that, overall he is a much better player than what he was when he joined Harlequins. He further added, “I am really pleased to have re-signed with Quins. The team plays a great style of rugby and I am excited about the future.”
Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O'Shea, has expressed his delight on retaining the services of their talented hooker. He termed his addition as important for the team’s plans for the season. He said, “The person, as much as the player, is an important part of what we believe in, and in Joe we have someone who embodies our values to the full.”
O’Shea termed Gray’s new professional deal as a reward for his hard work. He added, “Joe has made an incredible impact at Harlequins and in the Aviva Premiership, and finishing up in the Saxons group last season was just reward for his work.”
O’Shea has expressed his hope that Gray will continue to work hard to develop his game and polish his skills further. He has expressed his hope that Gray will reach his personal aims and objectives in the coming few years with the Quins.
The 23-year-old Gray started his professional rugby union career with the Northampton Saints in 2007. He made his debut for Saints against London Welsh during September 2007. During his three seasons stay at the club, he made 21 appearances for Saints in both domestic and European competitions.
The Nottingham born Gray joined the Harlequins at the end of the 2009/10 season. He made his debut for Quins during their 2010/11 seasons’ encounter against the Cavalieri Prato. He so far has played 29 games for the Quins in Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup matches. He has also scored four tries so far in his career.
Earlier this year, Gray was named in Stuart Lancaster’s England Saxons squad for their 2011 Churchill Cup campaign. Previously, he has also played for England at the Under-21s level.
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