Saracens hooker Joe Gray seals loan move until the end of the season

Saracens hooker Joe Gray has returned to Harlequins to add depth and experience to the squad currently heaped with injuries.

The 31-year-old, who has joined on loan until the end of the 2019/20 season, was part of the Quins squad that won the 2012 Premiership title in 2012 and the European Challenge Cup the previous year. He went on to earn an England cap on their 2014 New Zealand tour. 

“Harlequins has always had such a special place in my heart and is where most of my special memories come from,” said Gray about his temporary return to the Stoop. 

“When I heard there was an opportunity to come back, as they are struggling with injuries, Sarries were nice enough to release me to come and play some rugby. I’m extremely excited to get back out there with a lot of close friends.”

Harlequins boss Paul Gustard added: “Joe is a true Harlequin, having come through the club and winning the Premiership back in 2012 and the Challenge Cup the year before. 

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“It’s brilliant that we are able to bring him back to his club and we’re extremely thankful to Saracens for working with us to allow this to happen.

“All of our senior hookers are injured currently, and we have been looking for some extended period of time to get some extra quality in to help us. We’re delighted that we were able to bring Joe ‘back home’. 

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“It is very clear he is well-loved at the club by staff and players as his first team meeting back demonstrated.

“He is a top-quality player with strong set-piece fundamentals and will be a great asset once more to the club. He is an upbeat, great guy with strong positive energy which is awesome to be around and add to our group.”

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