Hopper re-signs with Harlequins

Harlequins centre Matt Hopper has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the current Premiership champions until the end of the 2014-15 season.

Hooper joined Harlequins in 2011 from Cornish Pirates and has since made 22 team appearances for the club during which he has scored three tries.

The Exeter-born midfielder, who produced a Man of the Match performance the win over London Irish on Sunday, played for the England Saxons earlier this year, scoring a try against the Irish Wolfhounds.

“We are thrilled about Matt’s re-signing with the club,” said Conor O’Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby, when he announced the contract extension on Tuesday.

“Matt is up there with the most competitive individuals any of our coaches have ever come across. His drive to be the best he can be is second to none and in just over a year since joining the club, he has represented England at Saxons level, played in some historic wins for this club and contributed greatly to us winning the Premiership.

“The important thing with Matt is that he is not satisfied with what he has achieved and wants more, we are looking forward to him realising his ambitions with Harlequins.”

Commenting on his contract extension, Hopper said, “I’m very happy to have re-signed with Harlequins. In my short time at the club, I have been impressed with the level of dedication and passion shown by all members of the squad and I am thankful to have been a part of this.

“The style of rugby we are looking to play, matched by such a talented group of players, made my decision to stay very easy. I look forward to competing for a regular starting spot over coming seasons and hopefully being an integral part of what is already a successful team.”