Harlequins, who are second-bottom of the 10-team Premiership, have secured the services of George Furbank, an influential figure at league-leading Northampton. Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore admires Furbank, according to sources. The exact terms and value of Furbank's contract with Harlequins have not been disclosed, and his performance expectations for the upcoming season remain to be seen.
George Furbank, 29, has been a key player for Northampton, earning 14 caps for England and looking certain to be a key member of England's World Cup squad, as reported. In an official statement, Furbank expressed excitement about the move. The specific injury details and recovery timeline for Furbank's past sidelining are unknown.
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. I am hoping playing with a new group and under new coaching staff is going to be refreshing and take my game to a new level. There is a lot here that is exciting for me.
Northampton wanted to keep Furbank, and he probably wanted to stay, but the club could not retain him due to financial constraints and offers from other clubs, sources indicate. According to Phil Dowson, Northampton Saints director of rugby, the club tried to make an offer but faced competition from other clubs. The financial details of Northampton's offer to retain Furbank have not been revealed. Northampton has lost other big-name players in recent years, including David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes, and Teimana Harrison, as noted.
Northampton is set to welcome back fit-again England half-backs Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell for their Champions Cup semi-final against Bath, according to reports. Fin Smith has been recovering after failing a head injury assessment against Saracens last month, while Alex Mitchell has not played since damaging a hamstring against Ireland in the Six Nations in February. This boost comes as the club prepares for a crucial match amid ongoing squad changes.
In a related move, Harlequins fly-half Jamie Benson has opted to move to Ulster next season, sources say. Benson, who is Irish-qualified, made 38 senior appearances for Harlequins since graduating from the club's academy. The impact of Benson's departure on Harlequins' squad for next season is unclear, as the club reshapes its roster with new signings like Furbank.