DUBAI // Abu Dhabi Harlequins offset the departure of one leading summer signing this week by recruiting another player straight from the ranks of the UK professional game. Quins made the most of their affiliation with the London club of the same name as they completed a move for Ben Bolger from the London Broncos rugby league side, who play on the Quins' Twickenham Stoop ground. When Bolger's contract in the 13-man code ended he turned down a chance to play rugby in France and opted to move to the capital to work in the financial sector. "Ben was keen to stay involved with rugby, he had done his research on the club and he chose to come and work here and play for the Quins over another contract," said Andy Cole, the Quins chairman. "We still don't know what position will suit him best but hopefully we will be able to give him some game time over the coming weeks." Chris Davies, the director of rugby, will be tasked with deciding where to accommodate Bolger following his conversion to the 15-a-side format, most likely as a loose forward or in midfield. Quins are in the habit of picking up pedigree newcomers to the UAE. Jeremy Manning, who arrived from the English Premiership side Newcastle in the summer, has been the standout player of the domestic season so far. The arrival of Bolger, who will watch his new teammates in action for the first time in this evening's grand final in Dubai, helps cover the loss of Rama Chand, the Quins centre and UAE Falcons rugby league captain. Chand, who formerly played for Toa Dubai and Dubai Hurricanes, left the UAE this week for a move which will eventually see him take up a position playing in Germany. Follow us
