Harlequins RL have signed Australian centre David Howell from Canberra Raiders on a two-year contract.
Centre is replacement for Bulls-bound Sykes
Harlequins RL have signed Australian centre David Howell from Canberra Raiders on a two-year contract.
The 24-year-old is the Londoners' fourth new signing so far for 2008.
Howell scored 15 tries in 48 games for Canberra over the last three seasons after an earlier stint at St George Illawarra. He is a straight replacement for Paul Sykes, who has rejoined Bradford.
Harlequins coach Brian McDermott said: "David is a bit of a well-kept secret in Australia. He has got a big frame and I'm expecting him to fill the gap left by Paul Sykes."
Clearance
Howell is hoping to receive clearance in time to fly into in the capital by the end of the week.
Howell joins fellow newcomers Danny Ward, Gareth Haggerty and Dwayne Barker at the Twickenham Stoop, while Will Sharp and Lamont Bryan have been promoted from the academy.
Meanwhile, Harlequins have bolstered their coaching staff with the appointment of former London Skolars boss Latham Tawhai as assistant coach.
Tawhai, last year's National League Two Coach of the Year, will join Head Coach Brian McDermott and assistant Rob Powell at The Stoop next season.
