Harlequins confirm exiting players

Harlequins on Wednesday has confirmed the departure of fly-half Ben Botica and scrum-half Tito Tebaldi from the club following the end of the current season.

Botica joined the Harlequins in 2012 and has made 93 appearances for the club since then scoring 544 points overall.

In the current 2015-16 season, the 26-year-old had appeared in 23 games and has managed to score 199 points which includes a solitary try, 34 conversions and 42 penalty kicks.

Botica also played a key role in Harlequins' 2013 LV= Cup triumph where he contributed with 12 points in the 32-14 victory over Sale Sharks. The fly-half will now be joining the Top 14 side Montpellier.

Botica thanked the club for the support he had received over the years and also admitted that the decision to leave Quins was a tough one.

Even though he is excited to return to France, Botica said that his immediate focus will be on guiding Harlequins to the European Challenge Cup victory and also secure a sixth spot finish in the Premiership Rugby.

“It was a very hard decision for me to leave Harlequins.

“The last four years, in terms of my development as a player, have been priceless. Being around such a great group, in playing ability and as people, is something you can’t buy.

“Had it not been for Conor calling me up four years ago in New Zealand, I don’t know where I would be with my rugby career, so I’m truly grateful to the Club for the opportunity they gave me having not seen too much of me.

“It’s beginning to hit home how much I will miss this Club and the people associated with it.

“I’ve been given a new and exciting challenge in France with Montpellier, but my immediate focus is to help Harlequins finish top six and win European silverware.”

Meanwhile, Tebaldi, who joined Harlequins from Ospreys in December 2014 will return to Italy to be part of Guinness Pro 12 side Treviso.

Tebaldi has featured in 20 Tests to date for Italy and has made nine appearances for the Quins in his 18-month association with the club.

Apart from Botica and Tebaldi, England U20 second row, Kieran Treadwell, will move to the Guinness Pro 12 side Ulster following his qualification to play for the Irish side.

Injury dispensation signings Beau Robinson and Sam Egerton along with fly-half Luke White will also be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea confirmed the news on the departure of the players while thanking them for the contributions during their tenure with the Quins.

“On behalf of everyone at Harlequins I would like to thank Ben, Tito, Kieran, Beau, Sam and Luke, “ said O’Shea.

“They have each made their own mark on the Club in the day to day environment and during testing times on the field.

“I know everyone at Harlequins is grateful to them and I would like to wish them the best of luck in their future careers.”