England international Oscar Beard has recommitted his future to PREM outfit Harlequins, after signing a new deal with the club.
The 24-year-old becomes the latest Test star to re-sign for the Londoners, with forward Chandler Cunningham-South also penning a new deal with the club last month. Elsewhere, fellow centre Ben Waghorn has also extended his deal with Harlequins, while Bristol Bears lock James Dun will also head to the Stoop for next season.
Oscar Beard pens new deal at Harlequins
Academy graduate Beard made his senior debut during the club’s title-winning campaign in 2020/2021, and has since gone onto make 80 appearances at the time of writing.
His form for Quins has also seen him catch the eye of England boss Steve Borthwick, and he recently made his Test debut for the national side on the summer tour to the Americas, coming off the bench in the win over the USA.
“I am absolutely buzzing to re-sign,” said the outside back. “All I ever wanted as youngster was to play here at The Stoop and pull on a Quins jersey – to have done that once, let alone over 50 times – is a dream come true for me and I don’t ever take it for granted.
“As a group, we work hard for one another and we’re desperate to win for each other. I absolutely love playing with guys like Fin Baxter, who I played against when I was Farnham and he was at Cobham as Under-9s. To then come through the Academy together and into the First Team is awesome.
“It was a dream come true to play for England this summer. It had been a goal of mine for a long time and still is. It’s something I’m desperate to achieve more of and I am going to do everything I can to put on an England shirt as much as possible.”
Quins senior coach, Jason Gilmore, added: “Oscar is a Quins man through and through. Everything he does is team-first, and that’s what makes him such an important part of our environment.
“He’s an outstanding centre on both sides of the ball – powerful and reliable in defence, sharp and instinctive in attack – and he continues to grow every season. We’re delighted he’s committed his future to the club.”
Regan Grace pens short-term deal at Sale Sharks
Former rugby league star Regan Grace has penned a short-term deal with Sale Sharks, following a successful trial period with the club.
The ex-St Helens man made the switch to the 15-man game in 2022, joining Racing 92, and has since had further spells at Bath and Cardiff before joining the Sharks in September on an initial trial basis.
He made his debut for the club in their PREM Cup fixture against Bath last weekend and has now put pen to paper on a deal until February 2026.
The winger also featured on Wales’ summer tour to Australia in 2024 and scored a try in their non-capped game against the Reds.
Commenting on his deal with Sale, Grace said: “The last few years haven’t been an easy ride for me, and I’ve had plenty of setbacks, but I still love playing rugby.
“I had opportunities to go back into rugby league, but I do feel like I haven’t shown what I can do in rugby union so I trained by myself and kept myself fit, waiting for a chance with a club.
“WillGriff John introduced me to Sale, and it’s been brilliant to have a pre-season to learn the culture and get to know the lads. I’ve worked really hard and now I feel fit, strong and confident and I’m looking forward to playing over the next few months because I feel I’ve still got a lot to give.
“All the wingers at the club are fantastic players, and I think we all bring something different. I want to show what I can do and bring the skills and strengths that make me the player I am.”
Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Regan has got loads of experience. He’s played for Wales, he’s played in Grand Finals and scored loads of tries but since moving to union he hasn’t had a chance to prove his worth.
“He wanted to come in during pre-season and keep fit and stay sharp but he was such a good bloke and he’s such a good player that when we had a couple of injuries to Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck, and we needed someone with experience, who knew our systems, he was the obvious choice.
“He’s got brilliant feet, he’s so quick and I know there’s a real player in there. We’re very fortunate to have him.”
His signature also follows confirmation that Joe Marchant has joined the club ahead of next season, with the England international penning a long-term deal.
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