Samoa centre Stanley to join Harlequins

By

Samoan international centre Winston Stanley will join Harlequins for next season.

The 26-year-old has played in two Tests for his country, scoring the match-winning try on his debut against Canada last year and made his second appearance against Italy.

Stanley has a broad rugby heritage. Born in Australia, he is a younger brother of New Zealand centre Benson Stanley and a cousin to fellow Samoa international Michael Stanley.

He began his career in New Zealand at Auckland and in 2009 joined Super Rugby side The Blues. He returned to Australia in 2012, playing for Western Force, before moving back to New Zealand in 2014 with the Highlanders.

Before committing to Samoa, he represented New Zealand at youth level, winning the Under-20 Junior World Cup in 2009 and was shortlisted for young player of the year.

Stanley said: “I’m thrilled to be joining a quality club with such a proud and long rugby history as Harlequins.

“Having played in the Super Rugby competition previously, the chance to now join Quins was something I am very keen to do.

“The club is very well-respected and I am elated to have the chance to contribute and play alongside world-class players.”

Conor O’Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby, added: “Winston is a classic case of a player who does the simple things well.

“He is equally adept at 12 or 13 and, with the amount we play with ball in hand, having players in our squad that have Winston’s ability ensures we will be better placed to compete on all fronts.”

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook