Harlequins have announced that academy graduate second row George Hammond has agreed a new contract to remain at the Twickenham Stoop. The 22-year-old already has 36 caps in the famous quarters, and has a 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership winners medal.
Hammond has received international recognition at age group level, having represented England at U17s, U18s and U20s. The lock made his Harlequins first team debut in the 2019/20 season, in none other than the West London Derby against London Irish.
Hammond was delighted to extend his contract with the club he grew up supporting. Speaking with Harlequins, Hammond said; “Having the opportunity to play for your boyhood club is always special, so to be able to re-sign here with Harlequins is fantastic and I’m thrilled to be able to continue representing this team.
“We play a great style of rugby that suits my game and is also fantastic for our supporters to see week in, week out. It’s enjoyable as a player to be part of a group that does what we can do.
“There’s a good group of us here at the moment that have come through the age grades together, it’s great to be able to progress through the ranks with some of your best mates. This is a team that really values and invests in its Academy system and I think we’re seeing the benefit of that now with so many of us breaking into the senior team.
“This is the best place for me to be and I’m thrilled to continue my time as a Harlequin.”
Harlequins Defence and Lineout Coach Jerry Flannery is excited to have retained Hammond’s services. “It’s great to have George recommitted to the squad. He’s one of a spate of young, homegrown talent that have come on leaps and bounds over the last couple years and have established themselves as regular faces in the senior team.
“We’re a club that values the importance and quality of our Academy pathway and it’s great to see the fruits of the system’s labour come to fruition via the likes of George.
“As a player, George is a great lineout lock and his mobility around the park gives him the ability to play at blindside when called upon, which is a valuable trait for the team.
