Joe Launchbury, an England lock and ex-captain of the Wasps, has signed for Harlequins starting next season.
The 31-year-old was just recently joined Toyota Verblitz Japan: Quins will take over Wasps after they went into administration.
He told The he was looking forward to his time in Japan, but is also excited about the new Harlequins start. club website.
“I know it will be thrilling, considering the style of rugby that this team plays.
Launchbury, a Harlequins Academy alumnus, joined Wasps as a teenager and went on to make 170 appearances at the club in 12 years. They were then suspended from the Premiership last month.
He added, “I have fond memory of my time at the academy.”
“I was raised playing with and against many of the first-team squads so it is a familiar feeling to return to Harlequins.”
Launchbury won 70 caps for England, and was named player of the Year in 2012-13.
Tabai Matson, Harlequins’ head coach believes that he still has a lot of rugby in him.
He said, “He is one the best English locks his generation,”
“Joe is a gentlemen of the game, but he can also do the most physically demanding parts of the sport.
“We are happy to offer Joe his next rugby role alongside some familiar faces.”