England full back George Furbank seals Harlequins move as Gallagher PREM leaders Northampton Saints reveal budget constraints left club with no choice
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/22/image-068d0790-e404-47d7-bb28-adf4a3f67059-68-310-310.png)
Published 08/04/2026 at 20:09 GMT+1
React to this story
Harlequins have moved to bolster their backline by signing George Furbank from Northampton Saints, with the England international set to arrive at Twickenham Stoop this summer. Financial constraints forced Saints' hand but the deal offers a timely lift for struggling Quins. The 29-year-old is focused on ending his decade-long service at Franklin's Gardens with a second league championship.
Highlights: Northampton strike late to snatch thrilling win over Saracens
Video credit: TNT Sports
Harlequins have pulled off a major coup with the underperforming Gallagher PREM club announcing the signing of England full back George Furbank from leaders Northampton Saints next season.
Furbank has been persuaded to make the switch to the Twickenham Stoop with a lucrative offer paving the way for his departure from Saints, who have been operating under budget constraints despite their impressive domestic campaign.
Northampton sit top of the PREM after winning 10 of their 12 league games but director of rugby Phil Dowson said the club were not in a position to stand in the player's way.
"We wanted to keep George and I think he probably wanted to stay," said Dowson. "But there’s lots of other context around it that has to work for him and us, and unfortunately we couldn’t do that. At no point was there any animosity. It’s just one of those things.
"We tried to make an offer but other clubs who are desperate for players will pay the money that potentially gets him out.
"If Saints suddenly had a multi-million pound backer that might change things, but they don’t, so we make decisions based on the financial situation at the club.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/04/08/image-4c9e0c12-fe6e-4532-803a-7c0a9fb8e4f4.jpeg)
Furbank in action for England during the Autumn Nations Series
Image credit: Getty Images
"It's not always the right thing to keep a group entirely together. That's what Sir Alex Ferguson did so well. He let some people go, and he kept some others for a very long time. Furbs is one of those guys we would have loved to have kept longer but we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions. It’s a moving jigsaw puzzle."
Saints' loss is certainly Harlequins' gain, despite Furbank's past two seasons being somewhat blighted by injury setbacks, which have reduced his senior international caps to just 14.
He missed much of the 2024/25 campaign with a fractured arm, having been named captain under head coach Sam Vesty.
Furbank has shaken off those previous concerns to play an integral role in Northampton's rise up the league standings this time around, starting on 11 occasions, while his influence in Saints' Champions Cup victory over Castres helped set up Friday's quarter-final with Bath.
The 29-year-old's ambition remains to be a vital cog in England's 2027 Rugby World Cup plans in Australia - something he believes the move to south-west London can facilitate.
"I have been at Saints since I was 14-15 years old, so it will be a different challenge, but I am keen to step out of my comfort zone," said Furbank.
"I'm hoping playing with a new group and under a new coaching staff is going to be refreshing and take my game to a new level. There is a lot here that is exciting for me.
"Winning the PREM title with Saints will always be one of the most special days of my life, and something I'll carry with me forever.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/12/20/image-ba996275-8a94-45da-a6a6-772a451489fd-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'The noisiest place in the Midlands!' - Furbank careers over for Saints sixth try against Sale
Video credit: TNT Sports
"This was a really difficult decision to make. I've given everything to Saints over the last 10 years, and from now until the end of the season my focus is on doing everything I can to help us finish on a high note."
Quins are second-bottom of the league after only three wins from 12 matches - but Furbank will hope to depart Franklin's Gardens as a two-time PREM title winner, after already beating Bath in the 2024 final at Twickenham.
- Former England captain Lawes out of international retirement after signing for Sale
- Bath down PREM Rugby rivals Saracens as Sale defeat Harlequins
- Baxter 'proud' to sign new Exeter contract - 'I'm delighted'
Sitting top of the PREM standings by a point, there is every chance of the perfect Northampton send-off on June 20, when the champions will be crowned at Allianz Stadium - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Quins head coach Jason Gilmore told the club's website: "George is one of the PREM’s top talents, and we’re excited to be signing a player of his calibre from next season.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/11/30/4067506-82487773-2560-1440.jpg)
'Magical piece of brilliance' - Northampton reply with fabulous Furbank try
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He’s someone we’ve admired for a long time - a player who is composed under pressure, instinctive in broken play and brings a natural attacking flair that aligns perfectly with how we want to play. His ability to see space before others and step in as a second playmaker will add real quality to our squad.
"Beyond his play, George is a proven leader who will add invaluable experience and an understanding of what it takes to win trophies to our squad.
"George also has a strong ambition to return to the Test arena with England heading into a World Cup year, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the impact he’ll make here at The Stoop."
Meanwhile, Northampton have been boosted by the return to fitness of England half-backs Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell, with both named in their matchday squad for the Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath at the Rec.
Smith has been recovering after failing a head injury assessment during his side's 21-17 win over Saracens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 28, while Mitchell has not featured since sustaining a hamstring injury for England against Ireland during the Six Nations in February.
Watch and stream PREM Rugby and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement