Captain Purdham extends Quins stay

Harlequins club captain Rob Purdham has signed a new contract that will see him playing in the capital until the end of 2011.

The Cumbrian loose forward signed for the London Broncos from Whitehaven in 2002 and has made more than 150 appearances for the London club.

The 29-year-old represented England in the World Cup in Australia last year and said that extending his contract was an easy decision to make.

“I’ve always been happy in London and so extending my contract was a no brainer. I’m looking forward to helping to cement Harlequins Rugby League as a top Super League club.

“There is a massive pool of talent down here in South East, and I’m looking forward to seeing young Londoners develop into Super League players over the coming years.”

Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott, said that Purdham’s decision speaks volumes of the club’s progress and ambitions.

“I cannot stress enough how big a compliment it is to this club, that a player of Rob’s calibre and status in the game has chosen to stay with Harlequins.

“Rob has been attracting the attention of other clubs and coaches for a couple of years now and I’m really pleased that he’s pledged his future to us.”

Purdham was in fine form during Harlequin’s victory over Wakefield yesterday, kicking four conversions to help take his side to fourth in the engage Super League.