Harlequins have confirmed that hooker Dave Ward has re-signed at the club, with boss Conor O'Shea saying he brings "infectious enthusiasm".

Since joining the team in 2012, Ward has developed into one of Harlequins' most threatening defensive assets in his 73 senior appearances.

It was during the 2013/14 season that the former Bath, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks front-rower rose to fame with his electric form. Claiming five man of the match awards, and becoming the pioneer of countless turnovers, he was named 2013/14 Players' Player of the Season.

His efforts were rewarded by being named in Stuart Lancaster's England squad for the 2014 tour of New Zealand, playing in the midweek win over the Crusaders.

In May 2015, the current Guildford RFC Head Coach was named in the Barbarians side to face England at Twickenham Stadium.

This season, he has shown his versatility by playing at openside flanker on four occasions, putting in a man of the match display against Cardiff Blues in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

"I am very proud to have re-signed for such a prestigious club and extend my stay at Harlequins," said the 30 year-old hooker.

"I'd like to thank Conor O'Shea and the coaching team for all they have done and the opportunities that have been given to me. With the way that the team play and the great supporters we have, I feel that Harlequins has become my home."

Confirming the news, O'Shea added: "Dave is everything you want in a rugby player and some of the performances he has put in at openside for us this year show what a brilliant athlete he is.

"He is a bundle of energy who brings an infectious enthusiasm to every session. Wardy's best years are still to come as he took a route to the top that has meant he has a lot of mileage left on the clock.

"He fits our style down to a tee and shouldn't in anyway limit his ambitions despite the competition for places he faces at the club and beyond."