Harlequins are leading the race to sign lock Leone Nakarawa in a deal that would ease the blow of Kyle Sinckler’s exit.

With homegrown prop Sinckler destined for Bristol, the club want to bring in Nakarawa as a marquee signing when his short-term contract with Glasgow expires this summer.

Quins already have a host of Fijian players, which makes London an attractive destination for the Olympic gold medallist and former European Player of the Year. The deal is yet to be signed, however, and they could face late competition.

Harlequins are currently leading the race to sign lock Leone Nakarawa from Glasgow

George Kruis approach rejected

Sale have had an approach for Saracens lock George Kruis rejected — because the England star does not want to join another Premiership club. As part of the salary cap fall-out, Kruis is looking at terminating his contract, with Japan a possible destination. Sale boss Steve Diamond told Gain Line: ‘We spoke to Kruis’ agent and he said the player is not interested in joining any English clubs. We’re still looking for a lock.’

Premiership club Sale have had an approach for Saracens lock George Kruis rejected

Glamour time as Thom and Nicole go Global

There was a surprise guest in the audience at this week’s Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, where Ricky Gervais roasted a cast of Hollywood A-listers.

Former Scotland winger Thom Evans was at the event, on a date with Pussy Cat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger.

The pair met during last year’s Celebrity X Factor, when Evans was a contestant and Scherzinger was on the judging panel.

Former Scotland winger Thom Evans was at the Golden Globes with date Nicole Scherzinger

Nadolo on the fringes

A host of Premiership clubs have been sounded out about the possibility of signing giant 21st winger Nemani Nadolo.

Despite being a club legend, the Fijian could find himself on the fringes at Montpellier next season because of increasing pressure to field French players under the country’s new quota system.

Montpellier are stocked with young French wingers so the option of an early release from Nadolo’s contract is being explored. Leicester are among the potential suitors.

A host of Premiership clubs are on alert about the possibility of signing Nemani Nadolo (R)

Duane's gift for Eddie

Duane Vermeulen was a thorn in England’s side in the World Cup final in Yokohama but might just have done Eddie Jones an inadvertent favour as the Springbok No 8 mentored Northampton lock Dave Ribbans at the Stormers in Cape Town. Jones will be at Franklin’s Gardens for today’s Euro clash with Benetton and will have a close eye on the South Africa-born lock. Ribbans said: ‘Duane was captain of the Stormers at the time and he really took me under his wing.’

Lood de Jager lands in Manchester

Springbok World Cup winner Lood de Jager will land in Manchester today to begin his career with Sale. The lock injured his shoulder in Japan but is expected to be fit by the end of the month. Coach Steve Diamond said: ‘We’re anticipating him to be fit for February 1 — at the same time as Mark Wilson. They’ll give us a lift when Tom Curry goes off to the Six Nations.’