Meet Matt James

Matt came down to London to meet with the coaching staff, senior squad members and back room staff as he toured the stadium and training facilities.

“It’s absolutely outstanding down here. It’s a great area and the Stoop is an excellent stadium. I have played here before but you don’t really notice it when you’re in game mode, so it’s so impressive to see it like this.

“I’ve not really explored London yet so it’s very exciting; I can’t wait to get to know London!”

Assisting Matt and his partner in their search for a new home in the capital is Harlequins player welfare officer, Lucy Duncombe, who took them on a tour of the local area and arranged house viewings for them both.

Matt also got to catch up with his new – and old - coach, Brian McDermott.

“I remember Mac coaching me from the age of 10-16 at my amateur club, Eastmoor. He was the first person to introduce me to rugby and I have very fond memories of those days.

“Even though I was from Wakefield, I supported Bradford because that’s where Mac played back then. I got a bit of stick from my friends, especially when I then signed for the Bulls, but it’s all worked out great.”

Matt’s ambition from a young age was to be a Super League player, and he can’t wait to represent Quins next year.

“I wasn’t really into rugby until I started playing at Eastmoor. But then the more I played, the more I fell in love with the sport. From then on all I wanted to do was to become a Super League player, it’s a dream job.

“My personal highlights in my career have been winning the Academy Grand Final with Bradford against Leeds and also playing for the first team against Leeds at Headingley. A Bradford-Leeds derby is one of the biggest games in Super League, the ground was packed and we won which was a great feeling.

“I’ve been at Bradford seven years and I wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone, coming to London is a big change and I’m excited about playing rugby league in a totally different place and getting stuck into it.”

Good luck with the move Matt, and we can’t wait to see you in action at the Stoop next year.

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