Harlequins have confirmed the signing of England full-back George Furbank in a lucrative switch from Northampton Saints. The 29-year-old, who has 14 international caps, will join the struggling Premiership side as they aim to rebuild for next season.
Furbank, sidelined by injury for lengthy periods over the past two years, remains a quality operator expected to be part of England's World Cup squad. Quins, currently second-bottom of the 10-team league, hope he will have an immediate impact.
“I have been at Saints since I was 14-15 years old so it will be a different challenge, but I am keen to step out of my comfort zone,” Furbank said. “I am hoping playing with a new group and under a new coaching staff is going to be refreshing and take my game to a new level.”
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore expressed admiration for the player, while Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson acknowledged the financial realities behind the departure. “We wanted to keep George and I think he probably wanted to stay,” Dowson said. “But other clubs who are desperate for players will pay the money that potentially gets him out.”
Furbank joins a growing list of high-profile exits from Northampton, including David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes and Teimana Harrison. Saints are set to welcome back fit-again England half-backs Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell for Friday's Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath.
