Eight Quins pin new contracts

Harlequins have announced new contracts for eight exciting young talents ahead of the 2023/24 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

Lucy Heryet is one of England’s most exciting back-row prospects, representing England at U20s level last season. A product of the Worthing College pathway, she was a member of Harlequins’ Centre of Excellence before graduating into the senior squad last year, making her Allianz Premier 15s debut against Worcester Warriors.

Another graduate of Worthing College, Sophie Stafford joined Harlequins in 2022 from the Club’s Centre of Excellence. Following an extended period side-lined due to injury, Stafford will look to make her Harlequins debut this season.

Katie Shillaker joined Harlequins in 2022 from Worthing College, making her Quins debut at the tail end of the 2021/22 season aged 18. Shillaker’s electric pace caught the eye of Harlequins during her time with community clubs Horsham and Burgess Hill.

Hooker Eloise Harris began her rugby career at Havant RFC, representing Hampshire at County level before moving to Richmond RFC. She was brought into Harlequins’ Centre of Excellence and graduated into Amy Turner’s senior squad in 2022.

Originally from Horsham RFC, Jessie Spurrier joined Saracens in 2020 having impressed during her time with England U18s. Spurrier joined Quins last season and made her debut in the Allianz Cup, coming on as an Impact Player against Loughborough Lightning.

Scrum-half Grace Clavering made her first Harlequins appearance in 2022, and spent a large part of the season on loan to Hove RFC. During the off season, Clavering has represented Akuma Beavers in sevens throughout the summer.

19-year-old Lucy Thorpe joined Harlequins in April this year from DMP Sharks. The flanker made her Quins debut in May against Loughborough in the Allianz Cup.

Carys Graham began playing rugby at Basingstoke RFC, moving to Peter Symonds College in 2020 to play alongside her studies. The prop has also represented Hampshire at U18s and senior level, and was invited to be part of England’s U20s squad in January.

Attack and Transition Coach Ross Chisholm said “We’re excited to have these eight players sign for another season with the Club. It is testament to the quality of our Centre of Excellence to have such a large number of pathway players in the senior squad.

“Being Sussex born and bred myself, it makes me immensely proud to see so many players starting their rugby careers at our Community Clubs and going onto represent Harlequins Women.”