Hassler could be on way to the Quins
FORMER Ospreys wing Jeff Hassler is reportedly having a trial with Harlequins.
The 26-year-old Canadian left the Liberty after five seasons at the end of last term.
Since then he has found it difficult to find a new team, with most clubs, regions or provinces having used up their budgets, but Hassler is training with Quins as he tries to stay match fit ahead of his country’s final tilt at securing 2019 World Cup qualification.
In this recent interview with WalesOnline, he revealed he could even have to consider walking away from the game at the age of 26.
Canada are involved in a repechage tournament in November with Hong Kong, Germany and the Africa Gold Cup runner-up, which could be Kenya, for the last remaining spot on offer for the global showpiece.
The 21-cap Hassler wants to stay sharp and Quins seem happy to give him an opportunity to show what he can do. A training video released on social media by the club shows Hassler taking part in the season.
He will hope he can pick up where he left off at the Ospreys.
Despite their difficult season in the Guinness PRO14, the man from Okotoks in Alberta maintained a high performance level and walked off with one of the region’s player-of-the-year baubles at their end-of-term dinner.
He revealed recently that he had yet to secure a contract for the new season, 10 weeks after playing his final game for the Ospreys.
But Quins have given the hardrunning wing, who made more clean breaks than any other player in the PRO14 last season, a chance to impress.