South African utility back Tyrone Green joined English Premiership Rugby club Harlequins from South African Super Rugby side the Emirates Lions, whom he left during South Africa’s ‘transfer window’.
The club, however, did not disclose the duration of the contract on which he had joined.
Green was one of five Lions players who opted to capitalise on South Africa Rugby’s Industry Salary Plan and cancel their contracts last month. South African rugby stakeholders had implemented range of cost-cutting measures, among them huge wage cuts, to save 1.2 billion Rand in expenses due to the effects of COVID-19 on the sport.
The 22-year-old is highly rated having impressing at the 2018 Junior World Championship, the 2018 Currie Cup season with the Golden Lions and in Super Rugby with the Lions.
Green said that he had always wanted to move to England since he was young, and Harlequins was a club that had attracted him for some time.
“…it’s a very good league to get the attacking game going, and I think it’s just the type of rugby Harlequins play, especially in the backline, it feels like they can have a go; they try to beat them, offload. I think the flow and the vision that Harlequins play with, it’s very entertaining, it fits quite well into the style that I like to play,” Green said.
Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said that he anticipated big things from Green and expected the fans to give him a huge welcome.
“Over the last two years he has cemented a role in a dangerous, attack-focused team at the Lions alongside established Springboks and veteran Super Rugby players. He has electric feet and some beautiful skills having developed as a fly-half at junior levels, but it is his tenacity and fight in contact that really caught my eye.”
Meanwhile, South African-born hooker Michael Van Vuuren will leave Northampton when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Van Vuuren, who joined Northampton from fellow Premiership club Bath Rugby in 2019, will link up with Championship side Ealing Trailfinders.
Northampton Director of Rugby Chris Boyd said that Van Vuuren was an important member of the squad in his time and had a positive influence on the group, on and off the pitch.
The former South Africa Under-20 international said that he was happy to join a club with tremendous talent and exceptional coaches which he believed will help his development as a player.
“The club is determined to reach higher levels and I’m looking forward to being a part of the journey and contributing to future success of the club.”
