Things Luke good for Cov with signing

LONG-SERVING Harlequins flanker Luke Wallace is stepping down from the Gallagher Premiership to join IPA Greene King Championship side Coventry Rugby.

The 28-year-old was named in a 16-player strong list, published on May 3, to be leaving The Stoop this summer.

The long-haired back row was linked with a move to Quins’ Premiership rivals Bristol Bears in January but has opted to join Rowland Winter’s ambitious Cov side.

“Luke is going to add significant experience to the team and we are excited to get him on board,” said director of rugby Winter.

“We have lots of quality in Luke Wallace has joined Cov the back row and the competition for places will be fierce, which is exactly what we need in order to drive our way up the league table.”

Wallace’s entire professional rugby career to date has been played in Harlequins colours after making his debut back in the 2011/12 Premiershipwinning season. His display saw him shortlisted for both the LV= Breakthrough Player and Land Rover Discovery of the Season awards.

Cov’s new signing has leadership qualities, evidenced by him captaining Harlequins to an ‘A’ League and LV= Cup double in 2013. Wallace also started the 2016 European Rugby Challenge Cup final, and he represented England against the Barbarians in 2014.

Overall, he made 169 appearances for Harlequins, but made just three Premiership appearances last season, the last of which was way back in mid-September.

“I am really looking forward to joining Coventry and linking up with the team next week,” said Wallace. “It is a good opportunity for me to join a strong squad and play my part during an exciting time for the club.”