Bold headline: A potential spellbinding twist around George Furbank could rewrite Harlequins’ backline, and the door isn’t closed yet.
Harlequins’ senior coach Jason Gilmore has publicly praised Northampton back George Furbank and stopped short of ruling out a move, signaling that the England international could be a player of interest as his contract situation heats up.
Furbank, 29, has been a standout for the Saints and is approaching the end of his current deal next summer. Reports have linked him with a switch to south‑west London as the former Premiership champions weigh their options following the 2023-24 season.
Gilmore, who is busy preparing Harlequins for Big Game 17 against Bristol Bears at Twickenham on Saturday, acknowledged Furbank’s qualities and leadership without going into specifics about recruitment strategies or potential ins and outs.
“George is a top player, and a strong leader,” Gilmore said when asked about the transfer chatter surrounding the versatile back, who earned his first England cap under Eddie Jones in 2020.
“He’s going to draw interest. It’s no different to what we saw with Chandler Cunningham-South when his contract renewal was pending a while ago. Those players naturally attract attention. He’s definitely a quality player.”
“Would we be interested? We’d consider any player who fits well with our squad. In terms of ins and outs, I can’t disclose our recruitment plans.”
Big Game 17 will take place at Twickenham, with a double-header that promises attacking rugby. Harlequins Women face Bristol Bears Women at 3:05pm, followed by the men’s Premiership clash at 6:00pm.
Gilmore described the anticipated spectacle as a showcase of attacking intent, noting that Twickenham’s larger pitch invites expansive play: “Two teams that like to move the ball, and on a bigger field you usually see higher scores.”
On Bristol’s South African midfielder Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who is set to qualify for England next year, Gilmore highlighted the need for a bold approach. “He’s a collision-heavy midfielder. You can’t light-foot your way around him—you’ve got to meet him head-on. If you’re too passive and let him dictate, he’ll dominate.”
Away from Twickenham, Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington expressed disappointment as Wales international Tomos Williams will depart next summer, with the destination kept private. Gloucester also confirmed that scrum-half Dan Robson, a Gloucester academy graduate, will return from Pau for next season.
Skivington emphasized a measured, respectful stance: “We did our best, but that’s rugby. There are no hard feelings; Tomos will stay with us for the rest of the season and give everything.” He added that Williams’ decision is his own to make.
On the club’s other notable signings, Skivington welcomed the recent additions of Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, describing them as honest, hard-working, and driven leaders who fit the club’s future trajectory.
Would you agree that strong leadership and injury-agnostic versatility make a player worth pursuing even when a contract is winding down? How do you weigh a star’s fit with a squad against the risks of pursuing a headline target? Share your take in the comments.
