Sharp ends Quins stay

Hull have started their recruitment for the 2011 season by signing Harlequins winger Will Sharp on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old, who was born in Nigeria and has spent his entire professional career with the Quins, is Hull coach Richard Agar's first signing for Super League 16.

He made his debut for the London club in 2008 after moving from the South London Storm, and he admits that the lure of moving to a top-four club was too strong to resist.

"I didn't want the opportunity to pass and wonder what if and I really want to test myself at Hull," said Sharp, whose initial deal also has the option of a third-year extension.

"When a club like Hull comes along with the potential to be a top-three team it is hard to ignore. They have top facilities, a great ground, a good squad and they're a top club and you can't ask for more as a player.

"That is no disrespect to Harlequins where I have really enjoyed myself, but this is a new challenge, a chance for me to show what I can do, score some tries and hopefully earn a spot in the England squad.

Sharp, who has been an ever-present for the Quins this season, has scored six tries in 26 appearances, with two of the touchdowns coming against Hull.

Agar claims that Sharp fits the bill in terms of the type of player he is looking to sign.

He said: "We are delighted we have secured the services of Will from 2011. He is a talented, young and ambitious player and we are pleased he thinks that Hull FC is the place to realise those ambitions.

"He has the ability to carry the ball well and has strength and speed which will be great assets for us next season and I don't think it will be long before he establishes himself as a crowd favourite at the KC Stadium."

Sharp's signing is likely to signal the end of Mark Calderwood's career at Hull.

The former England winger is out of contract at the end of the year and injury has restricted him to just four appearances this season.