O’Shea delight as key duo commit to Harlequins

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea has predicted second row forwards Charlie Matthews and Sam Twomey will be “the cornerstone of the club for years to come”.

The pair, both graduates of the Quins’ academy, have agreed new contracts with the club.

Matthews, 24, first joined Harlequins at the age of 15 and has made 101 appearances since his debut in November 2009.

He played in all of their 18 Premiership matches in 2015, more than any other player in the squad.

Twomey, 23, who is currently injured but expected to return in March, came to the Quins’ academy from Sussex club Crawley and has represented his country at every age grade.

He made his senior Harlequins debut in 2011 against London Irish and has gone on to make 37 appearances.

O’Shea said: “The club is incredibly fortunate to have two players of Charlie and Sam’s ability who still have so much growth and potential in them.

“Alongside the other tight five forwards at the club I am sure they will learn and thrive from the presence of James Horwill and these two young men will be the cornerstone of this club for years to come.”