Harlequins women have bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of England Sevens international Lauren Torley.
Torley arrives in South West London from fellow Allianz Premier 15s side DMP Durham Sharks, where she ran in one try last season.
The 23-year-old appeared for England at this summer’s Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup off the back of becoming a regular fixture in the set-up over the past few years.
But the speedster is now hoping to prove her stuff at 15-a-side as she makes the trip south.
“I am hugely excited to begin my next chapter with Harlequins,” said Torley, who only began playing touch rugby in 2018.
“This is a club that plays with an exciting identity and brand of rugby and one that I feel suits my way of playing very well.
“There is a competitive and talented squad in Twickenham and I can’t wait to get stuck in and compete for a role in the matchday squad.
“The Quins set-up is one of the most comprehensive in women’s rugby and something that drew me to join the team.
“I’m looking forward to taking the next step in my career in the famous Quarters.”
⚡️ Attacking threat
— Harlequins Women 🃏 (@HarlequinsWomen) September 14, 2022
A glimpse at what new signing Lauren Torley will be bringing to the team in the @Premier15s this season.#COYQpic.twitter.com/ZubaCOd91I
Torley arrives in South West London to join a backline already boasting England internationals Heather Cowell – who also plays for England Sevens - and Ellie Kildunne, but will be without other Red Rose Jess Breach who has made the move across the capital to Saracens.
Cowell and Kildunne are just two of Quins’ England stars, with prop Vickii Cornborough, scrum-half Lucy Packer, and full-back Kildunne set to start for Simon Middleton’s side this evening against Wales at Ashton Gate, with hooker Amy Cokayne on the bench.
Quins finished fourth in last seasons Allianz Premier 15s before defeat to Saracens in the semi-finals denied them a chance to defend their 2021 crown.
And head coach Amy Turner is excited about what Torley can bring to the side as they embark on their 2022-23 in search of a second Premier 15s title.
She said: “We’re delighted to have Lauren join the Harlequins ranks.
“She is a fantastic athlete that has shown with the Sevens programme how much of a threat she can pose defences. We feel she will fit seamlessly into our brand of rugby.
“Lauren will add more depth to a group of outside backs we have at The Stoop and we can’t wait to see her run out in the Famous Quarters and play the Harlequins Way when she returns from the World Cup.”
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