Director of rugby Conor O’Shea has revealed cover for injured Harlequins hooker Chris Brooker will come from these shores.
The 25-year-old England Saxon went under the knife on Thursday and faces a year on the sidelines after dislocating his knee cap in the 9-9 draw at Newcastle Falcons earlier this month.
Brooker had shared hooking duties with Joe Gray this term – a regime that had seen them both called into the England set-up this season.
England U20 international Rob Buchanan and Aston Croall will now provide back-up for the remainder of the campaign, as Quins bid for a first Premiership crown.
O’Shea expects to announce Brooker’s replacement within weeks, but does not expect his absence to derail his side’s campaign.
“Chris was playing the best rugby of his life and had earned his England call-up by right,” he said.
“I don’t expect to see him playing rugby until well in to next season.
“We are looking to compliment the group with another hooker, but in the short-term Rob and Aston will provide cover for Joe.
“Long-term we are pretty close to securing someone from this country.”
Quins host Bath on March 24 and O’Shea expects big things.
“Players look fresh and look strong. The hard ground suits our rugby. The team with momentum at the end of the season is successful,” he added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article