Harlequins sign Welsh duo Halfpenny and Jones

Harlequins have signed former Wales and British & Irish Lions pair Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones for the 2024-25 Premiership season.

Full-back Halfpenny, 35, was without a club having completed the Super Rugby Pacific season with Crusaders in New Zealand.

“His experience speaks for itself and he will bring plenty of leadership, expertise and high standards to our squad,” head coach Danny Wilson told the Harlequins website.

“He’s an incredible athlete, highly skilful and adaptive across multiple positions. We’re confident he’ll make a strong impact at Quins this season.”

Loose-head prop Jones, 32, moves to the Stoop from Scarlets, having won 48 Test caps for Wales and playing once for the Lions.

Halfpenny, meanwhile, will provide back-up for Tyrone Green, the only specialist full-back in Harlequins’ senior squad.

After making his Wales debut in 2008, Halfpenny went on to become a great of European rugby, playing 101 times for his country and winning Six Nations Grand Slams in 2012 and 2019.

He played in three World Cups and also starred on the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, being named Player of the Series in a 2-1 series win.

Halfpenny’s move means he will play in the Premiership for the first time, having spent the majority of his career with Welsh sides Cardiff Rugby and Scarlets, plus three years in France at Toulon.

“I’m excited to join Quins and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with such an iconic club,” Halfpenny said.

“I have always admired the Premiership and I’m keen to grab this opportunity with both hands and contribute to the Quins DNA.”

Jones provides injury cover in the front row as Quins look to improve on a sixth-placed finish in last season’s Premiership, winning half of their 18 league games.

He spent 11 years at Scarlets, playing 136 times and helping the Llanelli-based side to the Pro12 title in 2017.

Jones made his Wales debut against Tonga in 2017 and was part of their squad for the 2019 World Cup.

He toured South Africa with the Lions in 2021 and was named in the starting line-up for the first Test before having to withdraw with injury.

Jones recovered in time to start the third and final Test in Cape Town where the Lions were beaten 19-16 as the Springboks claimed a series victory.

“He’s an experienced and hard-working player who adds significant cover to our front row,” Wilson added.

“He’s a powerful scrummager and strong ball carrier who’ll become an integral part of our pack this season.”