Jack Kenningham, a beacon of hope for England's rugby future, has inked a new contract with Harlequins, ensuring his athletic prowess remains at the Stoop, the very ground where his professional journey ignited. Simultaneously, George McGuigan has fortified his ties with Newcastle Red Bulls, signing a fresh one-year extension, signaling ongoing devotion to his northern roots.
Emerging from the Harlequins academy, Kenningham made his first-team debut in 2021 and has since tallied up 85 appearances. His stellar performance on the field has not only made him a regular discussion point for national selection but also earned him a place in Steve Borthwick's training squad for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series.
"I’m over the moon to be staying on. It’s the place I have come through the Academy and broken into the First Team, and I am loving life playing for this Club,"
Kenningham expressed.
"Going from supporter into the Academy and onto the First Team is special – it’s hard to put into words how it feels. I’m excited for the next few years and where we can go as a team, there is a lot of potential."
Harlequins’ senior coach, Jason Gilmore, highlighted Kenningham’s intrinsic value to the team, noting his continuous high energy both in training and during matches.
"He’s building big performances back-to-back against big teams, which is great to see. Jack also has a good skillset in the lineout too and that’s key for any elite back rower at the next level,"
praised Gilmore.
Meanwhile, at Newcastle, McGuigan's renewal adds to the stability of the Red Bulls. Having racked up 179 appearances and 52 tries, his experience is invaluable, particularly as he steps into a more pronounced leadership role this season.
"This is where I call home, and I’ve enjoyed being back up here this season. There’s obviously been a lot of change, which is ongoing, and we’re building all the time,"
McGuigan commented on his commitment.
Newcastle’s sporting general manager, Neil McIlroy, acknowledged the significant impact McGuigan has had both on and off the field.
"George has taken on a leadership role with us this season as one of our most experienced players, and I’ve been really impressed with how he has conducted himself. As well as the impact he has made behind the scenes he continues to play to a very high standard, and I’m happy that we have retained such a major asset,"
McIlroy applauded.
As these players continue to define their legacies with their respective clubs, the rugby world watches eagerly, anticipating the thrilling exploits they will bring to the pitch in the seasons to come.
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Jack Kenningham, a beacon of hope for England's rugby future, has inked a new contract with Harlequins, ensuring his athletic prowess remains at the Stoop, the very ground where his professional journey ignited. Simultaneously, George McGuigan has fortified his ties with Newcastle Red Bulls, signing a fresh one-year extension, signaling ongoing devotion to his northern roots.
Emerging from the Harlequins academy, Kenningham made his first-team debut in 2021 and has since tallied up 85 appearances. His stellar performance on the field has not only made him a regular discussion point for national selection but also earned him a place in Steve Borthwick's training squad for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series.
"I’m over the moon to be staying on. It’s the place I have come through the Academy and broken into the First Team, and I am loving life playing for this Club,"
Kenningham expressed."Going from supporter into the Academy and onto the First Team is special – it’s hard to put into words how it feels. I’m excited for the next few years and where we can go as a team, there is a lot of potential."
Harlequins’ senior coach, Jason Gilmore, highlighted Kenningham’s intrinsic value to the team, noting his continuous high energy both in training and during matches.
"He’s building big performances back-to-back against big teams, which is great to see. Jack also has a good skillset in the lineout too and that’s key for any elite back rower at the next level,"
praised Gilmore.Meanwhile, at Newcastle, McGuigan's renewal adds to the stability of the Red Bulls. Having racked up 179 appearances and 52 tries, his experience is invaluable, particularly as he steps into a more pronounced leadership role this season.
"This is where I call home, and I’ve enjoyed being back up here this season. There’s obviously been a lot of change, which is ongoing, and we’re building all the time,"
McGuigan commented on his commitment.Newcastle’s sporting general manager, Neil McIlroy, acknowledged the significant impact McGuigan has had both on and off the field.
"George has taken on a leadership role with us this season as one of our most experienced players, and I’ve been really impressed with how he has conducted himself. As well as the impact he has made behind the scenes he continues to play to a very high standard, and I’m happy that we have retained such a major asset,"
McIlroy applauded.As these players continue to define their legacies with their respective clubs, the rugby world watches eagerly, anticipating the thrilling exploits they will bring to the pitch in the seasons to come.