Quins land Henry

Quins swoop to sign leading tryscorer Fa'afili.

By Chris Ellison   Last updated: 5th September 2007

faafili henry

Fa'afili: Making Quins move

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Harlequins have pulled off something of a transfer coup by landing this season's current leading tryscorer Henry Fa'afili from Warrington.

The New Zealand Test winger is being forced to leave Warrington due to the salary cap, and he has now chosen to move to London to join Quins.

The 27-year-old former Auckland Warriors star is currently leading the way in the tryscoring charts in Super League this season.

Fa'afili has been a consistent performer for the Wolves and has been in the top five in the tryscoring lists in every one of his three years with the club.

As he prepares to leave the Hailiwell Jones stadium at the end of the season, Fa'afili has signed a two-year deal to join Quins from next season.

"We're very excited about having a proven tryscorer," said coach Brian McDermott.

"He's been either the top or one of the top tryscorers in Super League over the last few years.

"He can play back row as well as centre and wing. It's great that he's keen to come down here and further his career."

Fa'afili, who has scored 20 tries so far this season, is excited about making the new move, saying: "It's going to be a new challenge for myself and I'm looking forward to it."

On the down side, Harlequins have suffered a blow going into the last two Super League matches with captain Rob Purdham being ruled out through injury.

Purdham was out of action for two months earlier in the season with a back problem and he will now miss his club's last two matches of the season after he sustained a serious shoulder injury during their defeat at St Helens.

The 27-year-old suffered his latest setback 15 minutes into the game against the current champions and was unable to continue.

Purdham will have his left shoulder operated on for the second time on Monday which rules him out of contention for a Great Britain call-up in the Test Series against New Zealand.

Harlequins coach McDermott feels nothing but sympathy for the injury plagued forward.

He said: "It's the end of what has been an unlucky season for Robert. He is an invaluable captain who leads by actions and not words. He will be a great loss to a team that looks up to him.

Full-back Mark McLinden must undergo a late fitness test before the team's final home match of the season against Salford but will lead them out if he passes.