Harlequins hooker Rob Buchanan signs new contract extension

Harlequins hooker Rob Buchanan has signed a new contract with the club.

The 24-year-old came through the Quins Academy and made his debut against Leicester at Welford Road in 2010.

Buchanan has gone on to make 82 appearances, scoring six tries, and has represented England at all age grade levels.

He was also called into Stuart Lancaster's England team to tour Argentina on the back of an excellent 2012/13 season and was subsequently named in England's 2014 squad to play the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea praised the contribution made by Buchanan and welcomed his decision to commit his future to the Aviva Premiership side.

"Rob is the youngest of our three senior hookers but his potential is huge," he told Quins' official website. "He is tough and abrasive, has improved his set piece massively and his play in the loose is uncompromising.

"Rob has suffered some injuries over the past few years which have stalled his progress but long-term, this could have been the best thing that happened to him.

"There are real signs that he is back to his best and is ready to kick on. The three senior hookers we have give depth, quality and competition that can only be good for them and the club."

Buchanan himself was delighted to be remaining at the Twickenham Stoop for an extended period.

"I'm really pleased to have re-signed and I'm grateful to Conor and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to continue at Harlequins," he said.

"I joined the Academy set up when I was 16 and I'm incredibly proud to represent this club as a senior squad member. I love being part of this hugely exciting squad, the support we receive each week is amazing.

"I'm looking forward to competing alongside Joe Gray and Dave Ward for the starting hooker position in the next few years as I continue to develop my career."