Harlequins have confirmed that Joe Marchant, one of the club’s most exciting prospects, has extended his contract.

Confirming the news Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston, said: “Joe is an exceptional young talent who had a fantastic first full season in the Premiership last year.

“I am certain that many aspiring English clubs would have loved to secure his services and therefore it is a real statement of intent that we have finalised a lengthy contract extension with him.

“He is another player who has come through our highly acclaimed Academy and in the discussions had, he made it very clear how much he loved the club and that he sees himself playing for Harlequins for many years to come.”

Joining the Harlequins Academy in 2014 after captaining both the England and Harlequins U18s teams, he was soon called into the England U20s squad. After winning the 2015 U20 Six Nations, Marchant was then part of the England side that won the Junior World Cup in 2016 on home soil.

Making his Harlequins debut at Kingston Park in May 2015, the centre has since made 37 appearances for the club, scoring 11 tries.

In August 2016, the 20 year-old was named in England’s provisional EPS squad and he enjoyed a standout 2016/17 campaign which resulted in him being shortlisted for both the Young Player of the season, and Discovery of the Season Awards. He was also named as Supporters’ Player of the Season at the club’s 2016/17 End of Season Awards Dinner.

Marchant was set to be included in Eddie Jones’ England squad to tour Argentina, but he was ruled out due to a toe injury before the uncapped match against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Commenting on the news, Marchant added: “I am delighted to have re-signed with Harlequins. This is such a great club and I have loved my time here; it was an easy decision to stay. The future and potential for this group of players is incredibly exciting and I want to be part of that in the coming years."