Quins bring in Elia as Bristol wait on Tuohy

HARLEQUINS have signed Samoa international Elia Elia on a short-term deal.

The 20-year-old hooker, who has won three caps, has previously spent time in the Crusaders development squad.

“We have one or two injuries in the hooker position,” Quins director of rugby John Kingston said. “He came on to our radar when we trained with Samoa recently. I’m sure he will make a valuable impact.”

Elia featured as a replacement in Samoa’s matches against France and Georgia in November, and made his first start against Canada.

Bristol’s Glen Townson has joined Ealing Trailfinders on loan – fueling speculation that Ireland lock Dan Tuohy could be moving to Ashton Gate.

Townson joins the Championship side for the remainder of the season after failing to make an appearance for Bristol.

“I’m really happy to have signed with Ealing,” said the forward. “They are an ambitious club playing some very good rugby.”

Bristol have been linked with a move for Ulster’s Tuohy in the last few days.