Quirke becomes the first player involved with the senior England set-up to sign up to Newcastle’s new era and is a significant coup for the upwardly-mobile Red Bulls.
His physicality and pace are his point of difference, making him a threat around the fringe. He has even made cameo appearances on the wing for Sale and did not look out of place out wide.
He is younger than you may have thought as well. Having made his Sale Sharks debut at 19 and England bow at 20, it feels like he has been on the scrum-half scene for a long time, but he is only 24.
He is highly thought of in the England set-up, with head coach Steve Borthwick keen to include him when available. Keeping injury-free and ahead of the impressive Simon Benitez Cruz will be the challenge for him now.
If he can manage to do so, a third England cap will not be far behind.
Newcastle’s recruitment has focused heavily on adding bulk, depth and quality to their forward pack this winter.
However, Quirke’s signing, along with all-court number eight Hoskins Sotutu, suggest Red Bull are, predictably enough, aiming to entertain Kingston Park with speed and swagger as well next season.