JOHN Kingston reckons a quiet summer on the transfer front is a sign of the strength in depth already in place at Harlequins.
Nick Kennedy (pictured) became only Quins' second summer signing when the talented lock forward joined from Toulon last Wednesday, just two months after lifting the Heineken Cup with the French side.
Northampton prop Paul Doran-Jones is the only other new face so far, and head coach Kingston is not expecting many more.
He said: “It's been a pattern these last few years that we have not made lots of close-season signings, which is a good sign as we already have a solid squad.
“If you're looking at smaller squads, it's about keeping the wage cap the same if you're improving things. But we see our big signings as keeping the quality players we already have.”
Kennedy, who will join up with his new team-mates at Surrey Sports Park on July 22, is regarded as one of the finest second rows in Europe.
His first break in professional rugby came when he wrote to current Quins chief Conor O’Shea, the then London Irish director of rugby, looking for a trial, going on to make more than 200 appearances during 10 years with the Exiles.
Having forged a reputation as one of the best lineout specialists in the Premiership, Kennedy joined Toulon last year, and has made seven international appearances for England.
O’Shea said: “Nick has sacrificed a valuable contract at Toulon to return to England, where he feels he has unfinished business. His ambition is pretty clear, in that he wants to win the Premiership and force his way back into the England squad ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
“I’ve known Nick since he came to professional rugby, and I know we have a player and a person who will fit into what this club is all about. Not only is he acknowledged by his peers as one of the leading lineout specialists in the country, but he is physically strong, mobile and skilful and has benefited greatly from his stint in Toulon.
“The retirement of Olly Kohn came as a surprise, and we felt despite the young talent we have in Charlie Matthews, George Merrick and Sam Twomey, we needed to replace Olly’s experience within the squad given the level of competition we face week in, week out.”
