Harlequins trio sign long-term extensions

Harlequins have confirmed long-term contract extensions for England U20 trio Lucas Friday, Elliot Williams and Tate Williams, securing the futures of three of the club’s emerging players at The Stoop.

Lucas Friday commits future to Harlequins

Friday, 20, has made 20 first-team appearances for Harlequins, with much of his senior breakthrough coming during the 2025/26 campaign.

The scrum-half was part of England’s Junior World Championship-winning squad in 2024 and returned from a long-term injury before earning regular opportunities at senior level.

One of his standout performances came in the Investec Champions Cup, when he played the full 80 minutes in Harlequins’ 27-17 away victory over La Rochelle.

Elliot and Tate Williams extend Harlequins deals

Elliot Williams, 19, made his senior breakthrough last season and appeared 12 times for Harlequins across the campaign. The lock has also accumulated 10 England U20 appearances.

Tate Williams, also 19, made his Harlequins debut against Northampton Saints in the PREM Rugby Cup in January 2025 before earning his England U20 debut the following month.

The number eight, who can operate across the back row, has seven England U20 caps and continues his development alongside his studies at the University of Bath.

Williams also played an important role in the University of Bath’s historic 2025/26 BUCS Super Rugby treble-winning season.

Jason Gilmore backs young trio

Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore said all three players have the potential to make a long-term contribution to the club.

“We’re really pleased to announce the renewals of Lucas (Friday), Elliot (Williams) and Tate (Williams). They’re three young men who have incredibly bright futures ahead of them and all have the capability to contribute to the Harlequins jersey for many years.

“Lucas is developing his all-round game as a scrum-half nicely, and we have already seen what he can do at the top level of the Club game after being put into a starting spot last season. He’s got a great attention to detail and real desire to learn from those around him.

“Elliot is another who took his opportunity last season when called upon. He’s a physical second row who works well in the contact area and set-piece, and we’re excited to see how he continues to grow in our environment.

“Tate is a powerful back rower who has the qualities to influence matches in both the tight areas of the game, and in the loose when he gets ball in hand.

"We’ll continue to work closely with the University of Bath on his development while he completes his education, but we’re excited by the qualities he can bring to the first team when his opportunity comes.”

Harlequins will continue working with the University of Bath on Tate Williams’ development while he completes his education.

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