HARLEQUINS have announced the signing of former Tynedale Panther Lucy Thorpe for the remainder of the 2022-23 Allianz Premier 15s season.

The 18-year-old has joined the Quins from the DMP Sharks, where she was formerly a member of their Centre of Excellence programme.

Thorpe began playing rugby for Tynedale Youth Section in their U8s side, and continued to represent their age group sides before joining Tynedale Panthers.

Plying her trade at flanker, Thorpe represented England at U18 level last season.

Harlequins Women’s Head Coach Amy Turner said: "Lucy is an exciting young talent who’s hungry to grow and develop her game, she’s a dynamic back rower and will bolster our forwards contingent.

"We’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in a Quins shirt."

Thorpe made her debut for the Harlequins at the weekend, when the side faced Loughborough Lightning.

Loughborough took the victory at home, with the final score being 44-05.

Despite their loss, Thorpe said she really enjoyed her first appearance.

"The first half was a really good game," she said. "The second half we dropped off a little bit but we travelled far and they just took the lead.

"It was really fun to play with a different team."