Harlequins hooker Riley signs new contract

Hooker Sam Riley has signed a new contract with Harlequins after a strong start to the season earned him a place in the England A training squad.

Riley, who joined Quins aged 15 and has made 89 appearances, has scored three tries this season – two against Sale Sharks in the Gallagher PREM and one against RC Vannes in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

He is in the England A squad preparing for Friday night’s game against an Argentina XV, and scored a try on his previous appearance for the side, against Portugal at Welford Road in 2024.

Riley captained Quins at Under-18 level and represented England at Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 level. He made his debut against Exeter in the PREM Rugby Cup in 2019/20, and his Premiership debut against Newcastle in the opening game of the 2021/22 season.

“I’m really excited – I’ve been at the club since I was 15 years old and I’ve really enjoyed it, especially the last couple of years,” he said.

“I believe we now have a good coaching set-up in place, good players in the squad and youngsters coming through. It’s shaping up to be an exciting couple of years ahead, so it was an easy decision for me.”

Riley was part of the Quins squad that won the Premiership title in 2021, and said of his ambitions: “I think the sky is the limit, we want to win.”

Head coach Jason Gilmore said: “He’s a product of our academy and fast approaching 100 appearances for his boyhood club, having become an important member of our squad.

“He’s been in good form through the first block of the season and getting recognised with England A selection is thoroughly deserved.”