NEC Harlequins have signed tight-head prop Laurent Gomez and full back Nathan Williams.

Gomez, aged 31, joins the club from French side Montferrand, having previously played for Grenoble and Bourgoin. He is rated as one of the best tight head props in France and was part of the 1999 French Barbarians touring party to Argentina.

Williams, 26, joins Quins from Stade Francais, having previously played for the Queensland Reds in the Super 12's for four seasons. He appeared over 40 times for Queensland and was top try scorer for them in the 2001 Super 12 campaign.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of two such experienced and talented players," said Mark Evans, Harlequins chief executive. "Laurent brings a wealth of experience from one of the toughest leagues in the world, where no props survive long without being impressive scrummagers, whilst Nathan is an exciting talent who I'm sure will add a new dimension to our back play."

July 8, 2002 17:30