BROOKER GIVEN NEW DEAL

Harlequins Chris Brooker has been handed a new contract till 2013. The 24-year-old, who moved to The Stoop from Bath in 2007, has made 56 appearances for the Londoners.

Brooker is the latest English-qualified young front rower to re-sign for Quins after Joe Marler and James Johnston also recently agreed new contracts.

“I am really happy to have re-signed for Quins,” he said. “This is a team that has so much potential, and a great team spirit.”