Quins to face Crusaders in friendly
Harlequins Rugby League is pleased to announce a preseason friendly against Crusaders Rugby League on Saturday 16th January (5pm KO). The game will be in aid of the Jon Wells Testimonial fund.
The match will be the first of a series of events during Jon Wells’ testimonial year to celebrate the career of the Harlequins back, one of only a handful of players to have played in every year of Super League.
In an exciting move, the match will be played at Rosslyn Park FC and is to form a cross-code rugby double header, with fans able to see Rosslyn Park tackle local rivals Richmond FC before the two Super League sides clash.
The match will form a vital part of Harlequins’ preparations for the 2010 season and follows the recent announcement of the Capital Challenge against London Skolars on Friday 22nd January at the HAC ground in the City of London.
The Crusaders match will be Harlequins’ only preseason game against Super League opposition and also marks the first time the Londoners have met the Welsh side since the coaching appointments of Brian Noble and Iestyn Harris.
Jon Wells said: “I am very excited about the Testimonial match; it is a huge gesture by both Harlequins and the Crusaders and for that I am very grateful.
“The back end of last season was a testing time for us as a team and for me personally, but past form and injuries are done with now and we can look forward to a run out and tune up before the season starts.
“I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott, said: “This is a very important match for the club, both in terms of our preparations for next season and in celebrating Jon’s contribution to rugby league.
“As our only preseason match against a Super League club, it will be a crucial part of our build up. A lot of changes have taken place at Crusaders since we last played against them and they’ll be really fired up for this one, as will we.
“Jon Wells has been a loyal servant to this club and Super League, and I hope you can join us to support him and celebrate his career.”
Crusaders head coach, Brian Noble, said: “Jon is a consummate professional who is up there with the best on his day. He is loyal to the core, 10 years of Super League and his lengthy service to what was London Broncos and now Harlequins, is an exceptional achievement and that’s why he deserves his testimonial year. I know that he is well liked and always gives 100%. He is a coach’s dream player.”