Baldwin for Quins as Gustard axe falls on 12

WALES international Scott Baldwin looks set to be on his way to Harlequins next season as Paul Gustard undertakes a brutal remodelling of his playing squad.

The Quins boss has been looking to sign a new hooker and his first choice was England international Luke Cowan-Dickie. But he was forced to switch to Ospreys ace Baldwin, 30, when Cowan-Dickie opted to stay at Exeter Chiefs.

The Ospreys are struggling to keep Baldwin, who joined the region in 2009, without the financial assistance of the Welsh Rugby Union, which is set to end.

Cardiff Blues were interested in Baldwin, who won the last of his 34 international caps against Samoa in June 2017, but Quins have edged ahead in the race.

Newcastle Falcons’ former Scotland Under-20 lock Glen Young looks set to join Baldwin next season after rejecting a new deal.

It is understood Gustard has told 12 players their contracts will not be renewed.

Hooker Dave Ward is off to Yorkshire Carnegie as a player-coach as well as George Merrick’s pending exit to Clermont, while lock Ben Glynn and flanker Luke Wallace are also leaving the Stoop.

Jack Clifford, Alofa Alofa and Charlie Mulchrone are planning on playing elsewhere next season.