Harlequins are preparing for life after club legend Danny Care, and boy, are they going big!
According to Chris Foy from Mail Online, Quins have their sights set on Sale Sharks’ livewire scrum-half Raffi Quirke as the man to take the reins at The Stoop.
With Care, now 37, dropping hints about a glittering post-rugby media career (yep, he’s signed a deal with TNT Sports and has his autobiography coming out next month!), Quins need someone to fill his well-worn boots.
The record appearance holder for the London club has also been dabbling in podcasting, recently unveiling his Lions XV for 2025.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Is Quirke the One?
Currently nursing an injury, Quirke could be the answer to Quins’ prayers. He’s reaching the end of his contract at Sale, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love the sound of “Raffi de Quirke” ringing out at The Stoop? Yes, that’s what Sale fans call him—an affectionate nod to World Cup-winning former Shark, Faf de Klerk.
Quirke’s rugby roots are as North West as a pint at the Rovers Return—having honed his skills at Broughton Park before joining the Sale Sharks Academy.
The England U20 sensation lit up the Six Nations (until injury struck) and even declared his first international try “the best day of my life.”
Enter Lucas Friday?
With Care’s understudy, Will Porter, in the wings and academy sensation Lucas Friday also tipped for a bright future, competition in Quins’ No. 9 jersey is heating up. But the addition of Quirke, already seasoned at just 23, could give Quins a cutting edge to their attack.
Read Chris Foy’s full column for the Mail Online by clicking here.
Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the “best scrum-half”
In a Lions XV selection that’s sure to spark some heated pub debates, Danny Care – yes, the man with over 100 caps for England – has handpicked his “best scrum-half” for next summer’s tour to Australia.
Spoiler alert: it’s not a Welshman. In fact, there’s not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.
Their dream team boasts eight Englishmen and six Irishmen, with just one lonely Scotsman completing the first Test XV. And as for the Welsh? Only Tomos Williams even got a mention, with Care and Atkinson giving a nod to his electric start at Gloucester – but he still couldn’t crack the team.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Tomos Williams Tease – The One Welshman Who Almost Made It
Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care’s Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, “I’ve seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He’s got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there’s one Welsh player to make the tour, it’s him.” But even that wasn’t enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.
Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park is “the best scrum-half” around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!
Smith vs Russell: English Flair Wins the 10 Battle
The surprises didn’t stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England’s Marcus Smith over Scotland’s Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and England’s Ollie Lawrence.
Feyi-Waboso? Yes, Please!
Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England’s George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Danny Care and Mark Atkinson’s Lions XV:
15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.
13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.
12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.
11. Duhan van der Merwe: A powerful wing with a knack for scoring tries, van der Merwe combines size with speed, making him a difficult player to stop in one-on-one situations.
10. Marcus Smith: A talented fly-half known for his creativity and tactical awareness, Smith is adept at orchestrating play and has a keen eye for gap opportunities in the defense.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park: A sharp and agile scrum-half, Gibson-Park is recognized for his quick decision-making and ability to control the pace of the game, making him a vital link between forwards and backs.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post Harlequins set to sign exciting England international to replace retiring Danny Care appeared first on Ruck.
