Lawday among 13 players to leave Harlequins

Harlequins back row Tom Lawday will leave at the end of the season after seven years at the club.

The 32-year-old, who plays as a number eight or flanker, arrived from Exeter in 2019 and has made 104 appearances.

He is one of 13 players who will depart The Stoop following the final Prem game of the campaign against Northampton Saints on Saturday.

Loosehead prop Jordan Els, who made 54 appearances, is also leaving, as is ex-club captain Stephan Lewies whose return to Sharks in his native South Africa was confirmed in January.

Lawday, Els and Lewies were part of the Quins side that won the Premiership in 2020-21 - only the second top-flight league title in the club's history.

Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans, who scored 118 points in 48 appearances, will move on, while Ulster agreed a deal in April to sign fellow number 10 Jamie Benson.

Ex-England lock Joe Launchbury, 35, had already announced in April that he would be retiring at the end of this season.

Also on the list of senior departures are Hayden Hyde, Max Green, George Turner (Newcastle), Joe Jones (Worcester), Jack Grant, Luke Yendle and Andrew Turner.

"This point in the season is always emotional and can be difficult, because it gives us the opportunity to recognise and thank players who have made a huge contribution to Harlequins during their time at the club," said Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore.

"Each of these players has represented Quins with commitment, professionalism and pride, giving everything for the jersey and for their teammates.

"They should all be incredibly proud of what they've achieved and the impact they've had on and off the field.

"We'll come together as a group to celebrate and thank our departing players, and supporters will also have the chance to say their goodbyes at The Stoop on Saturday following our fixture against Northampton Saints."