Quins sign James from Bulls

Harlequins have announced the signing Bradford forward Matt James, currently on-loan at Halifax.

The 22-year-old prop has signed a two year deal which will see him at the Twickenham Stoop until the end of 2011.

James joined the Bradford Bulls in 2006 from amateur club Eastmoor where he was coached by future Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott. In his first season at Bradford, James made his first grade debut at the age of just 19.

After gaining further experience over the following two years, James joined Halifax on loan for the 2009 season. Regarded as one of the game’s young rising stars, James has represented Wales on three occasions.

James said he is looking forward to working under his old coach again: “I’m very pleased about my move to Harlequins and think it will be a great opportunity for me to play more Super League and develop as a player.

“Brian McDermott coached me from the age of 12 to 16 and I’m very excited about once again working under him and his team at Harlequins.”

Harlequins head coach, Brian McDermott commented: “We’re all very pleased that Matt has chosen to come down to London. He is ready to take that next step with Harlequins and try the sport out of his comfort zone.

“I’m looking forward to creating another ‘north to south’ success story.”

James is the third new Harlequins Rugby League signing this month and joins Ryan Esders (Hull KR) and Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats) as the club continues to build and strengthen its squad for 2010.