Rinaldi Signs for Quins

Harlequins Rugby League will have French International Julian Rinaldi in the famous quartered shirt for the next two seasons.

Rinaldi will play his last match for Catalans Dragons at Leeds on Friday night after agreeing a move to Harlequins.

Head Coach, Brian McDermott believes the Frenchman will be a big plus for the London club: 'He is a player of international standard and he would be a great asset to any club. He will bring an added threat to our offence which will enhance our overall game."

On top of that he has proven leadership qualities and that will be ideal for our club.'

Rinaldi's versatility will also be important for Quins next season, says Director, Tony Rea, 'He has natural football intelligence, a great ability to manage the ruck and he handles both nine and seven so well.'

The 27-year-old Rinaldi has played in 22 of the Dragons' 27 matches so far in their inaugural season in Super League, largely as a hooker because of the presence of New Zealand Test scrum-half Stacey Jones.

Catalans coach Mick Potter said: "It's unfortunate to be losing Julian but his girlfriend has a sister in London and it was a joint decision between them."

"He's also keen to give it a go at laying down a scrum-half role."

Rinaldi, who had a brief spell in Super League with Wakefield four years ago, is expected to wear the number seven for France in the end-of-season Federation Cup matches against England, Samoa and Tonga.

Harlequins RL are poised to make additional announcements about new players for the 2007 season in the coming days.

Quins RL v Salford is at 3pm Saturday 16th September at the Twickenham Stoop. Tickets in advance start at £12 – 020 8410 6000