Statement: Harlequins confirm the signing of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh's son

Monday, 12 May 2025 at 19:04

byRugby Rucker

Harlequins have unveiled a fresh wave of young talent set to join their Senior Academy ahead of the 2025/26 season — and there’s a famous surname among them.

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Eleven new recruits will link up with the senior squad for pre-season, graduating from a successful Under-18 campaign that saw Quins rack up five wins from six in the Academy League. Several members of the new intake already boast international age-grade experience, representing England or Wales at Under-18 and Under-19 level.

Head of Academy, Chim Gale, couldn’t hide his excitement:

“We’re excited about this group coming through. Each player has had their own journey and will have enjoyed the Under-18s campaign, as well as the past season with their schools. Many have featured in the U18 Six Nations Festivals, and some even stepped up for their countries at U19s level while still at school — which is a credit to their development.”

He added that a few players missed the Academy League through injury but will be assessed during pre-season as they transition into the senior setup.

Here’s the full list of new Harlequins Senior Academy recruits:

SAM BLAND

Position: Tighthead Prop
Club: Wharfedale RFC
School: Bishop Burton College
Honours: England U18
Yorkshire-born powerhouse Bland arrives from the Yorkshire Rugby Academy with England honours already under his belt.

FELIX CHAMPAIN

Position: Fly-half
Club: East Grinstead RFC
School: Worth School
Honours: England U18
One to watch at No.10, Champain brings flair, vision and leadership to the new intake.

FINLAY CUNNISON

Position: Centre
Club: Chobham RFC
School: Bishop Wand School
Hard-running centre Cunnison has been a standout for both club and school — and now gets his shot in Quins colours.

JEROLD GORLEKU

Position: Hooker
Club: Twickenham RFC
School: Bishop Wand School
Honours: England U18
Gorleku has impressed at national level and is known for his physicality and accuracy at the set piece.

ASHTON GRAHAM

Position: Hooker
Club: London Irish
School: Gordon’s School
Graham makes the switch from the London Irish setup, bringing strong defensive work and energy around the park.

MATH JONES

Position: Fly-half
Club: Penybanc RFC
School: Gordon’s School
Honours: Wales U19
A classy Welsh playmaker who’s already made his mark at U19 level — Jones is one to keep an eye on.

NICK LYNAGH

Position: Wing
Club: Richmond Rugby
School: Hampton School
Rugby runs in the blood — Nick is the son of legendary Wallaby fly-half Michael Lynagh, and brother of former Harlequins fan-favourite Louis Lynagh. The wing looks to make his own mark at The Stoop.

THEO POVEY

Position: Wing
Club: Rosslyn Park
School: Gordon’s School
Speed to burn, Povey has been a regular try-scorer and adds competition out wide.

SEAN SHARP

Position: Full-back
Club: Old Alleynians
School: Seaford College
Honours: England U19
Sharp by name and sharp by nature — the elusive full-back is already on England’s radar and promises X-factor from deep.

ELLIOT WILLIAMS

Position: Back Row
School: Gordon’s School
Honours: England U18 & U19
A dynamic and hard-hitting forward, Williams is a dual international at age-grade level and brings serious bite to the back row.

TATE WILLIAMS

Position: Back Row
Club: East Grinstead RFC
School: Worth School
Honours: England U18
Another back row talent, Williams thrives at the breakdown and will relish the step up to senior rugby.

The class of 2025 looks stacked with potential — and with names like Lynagh in the mix, there’s plenty of reason for Harlequins fans to get excited.