Will Collier, the tighthead prop who has spent an impressive 13 seasons with Harlequins, has made the decision to bid farewell to the club as he looks towards a move to the Top 14 league. During his time with the London-based team, the 33-year-old England international has accumulated a notable 241 appearances and has secured two Premiership titles.
Although no official announcement has been made regarding his next destination, there have been strong speculations linking him to Castres, a team that could potentially lose their tighthead Henry Thomas at the end of the season. According to RugbyPass, Harlequins have set their sights on Samoa and former United States prop, Titi Lamositele, as the ideal successor to fill Collier’s shoes at the Stoop.
Collier recently featured in Quins’ game against Exeter Chiefs, which resulted in a 58-26 defeat. He is also expected to participate in his final home performance against Bristol Bears at the Stoop this coming weekend. A victory against the Bears could extend Collier’s time with Quins, potentially giving them an opportunity to reach the top four in the Gallagher Premiership.
Upon his departure, Collier expressed his gratitude to the club, stating, “Having been part of Harlequins since the age of 14, I have been fortunate enough to call the Stoop home for almost 20 years. I have been a lifelong fan of this club and playing here has been a dream come true. Some of my greatest friends and memories have come from my time at Quins. It has been a tough decision to leave but I feel now is the right time to take on a new challenge and adventure in France. To our incredible fans, the staff, and the coaches, and all the players I have taken the field with, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. It’s been some journey. I look forward to an exciting finish to our season. COYQ!”
The Harlequins scrum coach, Adam Jones, also shared his thoughts on Collier’s departure, stating, “Col has been an integral member of our squad for the past 13 years. He’s a true Harlequin and has made an enormous contribution on and off the pitch. I am sad to see Col go but we support and understand his desire for a fresh challenge. We wish Col, his wife Kate and their two boys every success, I know he will embrace the lifestyle and make a big impact on the pitch, and we thank him for his outstanding service to our club.”
As Collier sets his sights on a new chapter in his rugby career, Harlequins fans are undoubtedly grateful for the passion, dedication, and talent that he has brought to the team over the years. His remarkable journey with the club has left an indelible mark, and while it may be bittersweet to see him go, his legacy will undoubtedly live on within the Harlequins community.