Ireland lock Kieran Treadwell secures Premiership return

Harlequins have signed former academy product Kieran Treadwell from Ulster ahead of next season, as reported by RugbyPass.

The London-born lock left Quins in 2016 to join Ulster, where he has gone on to make over 150 appearances.

During his time in Belfast the 29-year-old has also amassed 11 caps for Ireland, with his debut coming against Japan in 2017 and his final appearance coming from the bench in the Grand Slam-clinching victory over England in 2023.

Despite starting his career with Quins, Treadwell has not played in the Gallagher Premiership, and said he has “unfinished business” with the club.

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“I’m excited to get back and play in front of a packed-out Stoop,” said Treadwell.

“I’m quite a big man of fate and the stars have aligned. This was the right opportunity for me at this stage in my career and I’m looking forward to getting started in the summer.

“There is a bit of unfinished business for me at the club. I’ve never played in the Premiership for Harlequins and that was a big goal of mine when I was a young whippersnapper! I’ve been away from my family for nine years too, so I can’t wait to play in front of them at home again.”

Quins head coach Danny Wilson added: “Kieran is an athletic second row who has explosive qualities on both sides of the ball in the loose. He’s also got a good skillset at the set-piece which can be a real asset for us moving forward.

“Kieran also brings experience to the squad with well over 150 appearances at club level and his time spent in the international setup with Ireland. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the club this summer.”

Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham added: “Kieran came to Ulster as a young man with a lot of potential and he developed into an important member of the senior men’s squad.

“Being a key member of our forward pack over the years, he has always brought great athleticism to the game.

“It was a great source of pride to see him called up for Ireland and play in the Six Nations and on the tour of New Zealand in 2022.

“While doing a great job at supporting our young forwards coming through, there’s no doubt everyone will miss his personality around the group.

“It’s fitting that he is returning home to Harlequins for the next chapter in his career, and everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes Kieran and his family all the very best for the future. We look forward to seeing him back ‘home’ in a few years!”