London Scottish recruit four Harlequins

By DAVID FERGUSON
Published on 18/07/2012 00:21

LONDON Scottish’s efforts to create a squad capable of contesting the English Championship play-offs this season continues with the club securing the services of four Harlequins players on dual registration.

The contracts allow young and fringe players with Premiership clubs to gain regular action at lower-league sides, and London Scottish director of rugby Simon Amor has been keen to ensure the Richmond club are seen as a good outlet for helping youngsters develop, whilst also helping the Scots’ bid to compete in the Championship.

Scottish have announced the signings of youngsters Sam Twomey, Joe Trayfoot, Harry Allen and Miles Mantella on dual registration contracts with the reigning Premiership champions as part of that process. A 21-year-old flanker, Trayfoot has played for England at U16 level, as well as England U18 in the Six Nations, and made his Harlequins debut in the special Abu Dhabi fixture against Wasps in 2011.

Mantella is a 20-year-old winger who spent last season on loan at Rosslyn Park. His blistering pace has caught the eye of the England Sevens squad which he played for in 2010. Twomey, a 20-year-old, 6ft 6in lock, has represented England at U16, U18, U19 and U20 levels and made his debut for Harlequins against London Irish last season in the LV=Cup.

The final member of the quartet is 20-year-old hooker Allen, who was a product of the Saracens Academy before he joined Harlequins.

Amor has spoken of his desire to ensure there is a healthy contingent of Scots at the club, and continue the long tradition of the Athletic Ground being a home in the south for Scottish players and supporters. That has been evident with Phil Godman, Jim Thomson and Dave McCall following the likes of Lewis Calder to the club this year. He has also been clear that as a club affiliated to the RFU they wish to progress the development of English talent as well. Both aims fit with the overall desire of taking Scottish back into the Premiership inside the next three years.

“Our experiences last year with dual registered players was very positive and we’re delighted to continue that this season,” Amor said.