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Harlequins sign former England U20s captain Jack Walker
By Kim Ekin
Harlequins have signed former England U20s captain Jack Walker, who joins the West London club ahead of 2021/22 season.
The 25-year-old joins Harlequins off the back of five seasons with West Country side Bath Rugby, having joined them from Yorkshire Carnegie in 2016, having established himself as one of the best young hookers in the country in the Greene King IPA Championship and with the England U20s.
Displaying distinct qualities as a top-class hooker at a young age, Walker captained the U20s side during the 2016 Six Nations and Junior Rugby World Cup.
Harlequins’ Lineout and Defence Coach Jerry Flannery said: “It’s great to have Jack joining us over the summer ahead of the 2021/22 season. Jack is a guy who displayed immense talent from a young age in the England age grades and at Yorkshire and has become a great senior hooker during his years with Bath.
“We see Jack fitting in well within a well-balanced squad next season and the style of rugby we like to play both as a wider Harlequins team, and as a tight five.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Jack join us this summer and adding to the huge positivity we have at the Club at the moment.”
Walker said of the move: “Harlequins are going in an exciting direction at the moment, and I’m thrilled to be able to join them in their journey. Having spoken to some of the coaches and people involved with the team, I know this is a side with real potential to build something big.
“There’s a great balance to the squad and I’m looking forward to playing my part and contributing to what’s to come.
“Quins are a team with real history and are one of the first names you think of when you think of English rugby. To join a champions team as well-known as Quins is something I’m proud of, and I can’t wait to get my first chance at running out in the Quarters.”
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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