England loosehead prop Fin Baxter has pledged his future to Premiership outfit Harlequins as he follows international team-mate Marcus Smith in inking a new deal.
The 22-year-old is the latest player to agree a contract extension to commit his future to the club, with the forward joining several other key men in re-signing.
Baxter, who joined Quins aged 13, has already represented the club 58 times in his short career since making his debut against Racing 92 in December 2020.
Won the Premiership in 2021
He went on to be a core part of the squad that won the Premiership in June 2021.
Under the tutelage of former British & Irish Lions tighthead prop Adam Jones and working alongside a talented group of front-row players in the squad, Baxter has developed rapidly and was recognised in the 2023/24 Premiership Team of the Season.
He has also continued his excellent club form into the international fold, backing up his England U18 and U20 caps, by earning his full England debut in July this summer in New Zealand against the All Blacks.
With six caps to his name already, Baxter is building on strong foundations having captained England U20s with whom he went on to win the U20 Six Nations Grand Slam in 2021.
“I’m buzzing! I’ve loved my time at the club, especially since coming into the senior setup at 18 years old – to sign a new contract is awesome,” said Baxter.
“I’m enjoying my rugby, developing as a player and we’ve got a great group of lads here. We’ve had a taste of success as a group but we want more opportunities to lift silverware.
“If someone had told me 12 months ago I was going to have the year I’ve had, at first, I wouldn’t have believed them. Good performances at club level with Quins allowed me the opportunity to go on tour with England and earn my first caps for my country, and I believe I’ve developed so much from those experiences. Hopefully, there is more to come.”
‘Outstanding rugby player
Head coach Danny Wilson added: “Fin is an outstanding rugby player, who’s developed at a rapid rate during my time at the club and he is deservedly earning the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.
“He’s another homegrown talent that took their opportunity when introduced into the senior setup and he’s never looked back. Fin has a desire to learn, which is vital in any player’s journey to becoming an elite operator in their position, especially in the front-row.
“We’re all delighted he’s committed his future to the club, where we believe he has the environment to continue growing his skillset and take his performances to an even higher level.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/england-star-backed-to-reach-even-higher-level-after-committing-future-to-premiership-club
