England’s George Furbank seals switch to Harlequins

The move had been widely anticipated, with reports in recent months suggesting an agreement was already in place, and Quins have now made it official.

Furbank joins a side currently ninth in the Prem and recently eliminated from the Champions Cup by Sale Sharks.

Now 29, Furbank departs Northampton Saints after spending his entire senior career at Franklin’s Gardens, where he developed into one of the Premiership’s most well-rounded backfield players.

He made his breakthrough during the 2018/19 season, playing a role in Northampton lifting the Premiership Rugby Cup, their first trophy in five years.

In the 2023/24 campaign, he played a pivotal role in Saints’ Gallagher Premiership title win, as they defeated Bath Rugby at Allianz Stadium. That same season also saw Northampton reach the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup.

Operating primarily at fullback but also capable at fly-half, Furbank captained the side on 12 occasions and produced his most prolific season to date, registering seven tries and 39 points.

He was later named Northampton’s 66th club captain ahead of the 2024/25 season, leading the team to the Investec Champions Cup final.

At international level, Furbank made his England debut against France in Paris during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.

He returned to the squad in 2024, scoring against both Scotland and Ireland, before featuring on tours to Japan and New Zealand and starting three matches in the Autumn Nations Series. He has earned 14 Test caps to date.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Harlequins next season. The Stoop is a brilliant place to play – it always has a great atmosphere,” said Furbank.

“Secondly, I think the group of lads here are an incredibly talented bunch, you look at the individuals and the collective - it’s a group you want to be a part of.

“And thirdly, speaking to Gilly (Jason Gilmore) we have a very similar philosophy and outlook on how we want to play rugby. There is a lot here that is exciting for me.

“I have been at Saints since I was 14-15 years old so it will be a different challenge, but I am keen to step out of my comfort zone. I am hoping playing with a new group and under new coaching staff is going to be refreshing and take my game to a new level.”

Head Coach Jason Gilmore added: “George is one of the PREM’s top talents, and we’re excited to be signing a player of his calibre from next season.

“He’s someone we’ve admired for a long time - a player who is composed under pressure, instinctive in broken play, and brings a natural attacking flair that aligns perfectly with how we want to play.

"His ability to see space before others and step in as a second playmaker will add real quality to our squad.

“Beyond his play, George is a proven leader who will add invaluable experience and an understanding of what it takes to win trophies to our squad.

“George also has a strong ambition to return to the Test arena with England heading into a World Cup year, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the impact he’ll make here at The Stoop.”