Harlequins sign tighthead prop Matt Shields

Harlequins have signed tighthead prop Matt Shields until the end of the 2015-16 season.

The Cumbria-born 24-year-old joins the Aviva Premiership side from Darlington Mowden Park RFC, although he has played for Quins in the LV= Cup this season and has represented their A League team.

Shields came through the Newcastle Falcons academy and played for Nottingham and Plymouth before joining Darlington at the start of the current campaign.

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea told the official club website: "We see Matt as a player with real potential who we can really develop here.

“I would like to thank (coach) Danny Brown and everyone at Darlington Mowden Park who bring the meaning of putting the player first, to life.

We see Matt as a player with real potential who we can really develop here.

“We could easily have looked at bringing in a journey man but we would prefer to look at the long-term potential that the player has and we wanted to start that development process now rather than wait until the summer.”

The player himself is understandably delighted to have the opportunity to prove himself in the top-flight.

“It’s a huge honour for me personally to join Harlequins. It’s a fantastic club with a great tradition and culture,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing this season out and building for next year working alongside Conor O’Shea, John Kingston, Tony Diprose and the other members of the coaching team to develop my game.  

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’d also like to thank Darlington for giving me the chance to pursue this opportunity early and for being so supportive during the process.”