George Merrick to switch to Clermont Auvergne from Harlequins at end of season

Clermont Auvergne have confirmed former England U20 international George Merrick will join the Top 14 club at the end of the ongoing season.

Merrick made his professional rugby start with Harlequins in 2013 with his senior debut coming against Wasps during the double header at Twickenham Stadium that year. Since then he has racked up 92 appearances for the club including 57 in the Premiership.

The 26-year-old was also part of the England U20 squad that clinched the Six Nations Under 20s Championship in 2012.

"George is an experienced player who knows the English Premiership," said Clermont head coach Franck Azema.

"He is a hard-working, consistent player we will rely on to rotate with the current players at the club.

"It will be a reinforcement of weight in the second row, where players are very exposed and some can be called up for national selection."

Clermont Auvergne are currently at the pole position in the Top 14 with nine wins from 13 games.