Harlequins coach refuses to rule out move for Northampton back George Furbank

Gilmore, who is preparing the Harlequins squad for Big Game 17 against Bristol Bears at Twickenham on Saturday, said he is an admirer of the England international but he refused to comment on specific “ins and outs”.

“George is a good player, isn’t he? And a good leader,” Gilmore said, when asked about transfer speculation surrounding the full‑back, who made his international debut under Eddie Jones in 2020.

“He’s going to attract interest. It’s no different to when Chandler Cunningham-South was up [for contract renewal] a couple of months ago. Those players are going to attract interest. Definitely a good player.

“Would we be interested? We’d be interested in any good player that fits in with our roster. In terms of the ins and outs, like any player, I can’t really disclose actual recruitment strategies.” 

Twickenham is the venue for Big Game 17 on Saturday, and Gilmore said fans of attacking rugby can expect entertainment from the double header: Harlequins Women v Bristol Bears Women kicks off at 3.05pm before the men’s Prem match at 6pm.

“You’ve got two teams who want to use the football,” Gilmore said. “I don’t see the scoreline being 10-7. Twickenham is a bigger pitch, there’s more space to attack into. When you get two attacking teams on a bigger field, generally you’ll get bigger scorelines.”

Regarding the threat of Bristol’s South African centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who is due to qualify for England next year, Gilmore said: “He’s a collision guy in that midfield, there’s no shying away from it. You can’t dip your toe in the water against him.

“You’ve got to match him and go head-on, one-for-one. How you nullify him is you’ve got to go at him. If you’re passive and you let him run, that’s when he has a field day.” 

Meanwhile, the Gloucester director of rugby, George Skivington, voiced his disappointment at the impending departure of the Wales international Tomos Williams. The Cherry and Whites announced on Tuesday that the scrum-half will leave next summer, with his destination undisclosed. 

The club also revealed that the scrum-half and Gloucester academy graduate Dan Robson will rejoin from Pau for next season.

“We did our best but that’s rugby, that’s sport,” Skivington said of Williams. “There’s no hard feelings and he’s in here for the rest of the season – I know he’ll give everything. We put our best foot forward and Tommy’s got to make the decision he thinks is right for him. We’re not going to fall out over it.” 

On the signings of the Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, announced on Monday, Skivington said: “They are honest, hard-working, tough characters who really want to do something. They are the right age profile to drive the club forward.”

Guardian