Quins sign Barrow star Ellis

Harlequins have signed Championship Player of the Year Andy Ellis from Barrow Raiders.

The 24-year-old joins Harlequins from the Championship Champions on a two year contract which will see him at the Stoop until the end of 2011.

Ellis began his career with Hull KR where he helped them win the National Rail Cup in 2005 and promotion to the Super League in 2006.

Ellis then moved to Barrow Raiders where he has enjoyed enormous success and was recently named Championship Player of the Year. The hooker was instrumental in leading Barrow to the league leader’s shield this season and played an integral role in their Cooperative Championship Grand Final victory at the weekend.

Ellis said: “I’ve had a great few years with Barrow and feel I am now ready to step up to the next level and play Super League with Harlequins.

“This will be a new chapter in my career and I’m really excited about moving to London and starting training with the coaches and players.”

Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott, said: “Andy is a quality player and has an outstanding season at Barrow winning the Championship Grand Final and being named Player of the Year.

“We’re always in the market for quality players and Andy definitely fits into that category.”

Ellis joins Ryan Esders, Oliver Wilkes and Matt James in signing for Harlequins Rugby League for the 2010 season.