Former Wasps captain to join Harlequins next season

England international Joe Launchbury is set to make a return to Harlequins ahead of the 2023/24 season.

A product of Harlequins Academy, Launchbury made his senior debut with Worthing in 2009 and spent most of his career with Wasps and even went on to captain them.

He has racked up 170 appearances for the Coventry based side over a span of 12 years but has moved to Japanese club Toyota Verblitz since Wasps entered into administration and were suspended.

The 31-year-old has also represented England 70 times and is one of most capped second rows for his country.

“I'm glad to sign on with Quins. I have fond memories of my time here in the academy. I grew up playing with and against a number of the first team squad, so it has a somewhat familiar feel to come back to Harlequins," he told the club's official website.

“I’m looking forward to my time in Japan for the rest of this season, but am very excited for the new start with Harlequins over the summer.

“Quins have some of the richest history in the game and it’s been fascinating to hear how this group have tapped back into that Harlequins DNA of old over the last few seasons.

“With the style of rugby this squad plays, I know it will be an exciting setup to be a part of.”