Monye signs new Harlequins deal

(GETTY IMAGES)

England wing Ugo Monye has signed a new two-year contract with Harlequins.

The British and Irish Lions back has made 118 appearances for Quins since joining the club's academy in 2002 as an 18-year-old.

During that time Monye has scored 53 tries and his excellent club form saw him win the first of his 11 England caps to date against the Pacific Islanders in 2008, creating a superb breakaway try for Danny Cipriani in a 39-13 win.

Monye, 26, who will start tomorrow's RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham, also featured prominently on the Lions tour of South Africa, scoring a 70-metre interception try in the tourists' third Test victory.

Harlequins' incoming director of rugby Conor O'Shea is thrilled that the former England Sevens star has chosen to remain at the Twickenham Stoop.

O'Shea said: "I am delighted that Ugo has pledged his future to the club when he was offered both opportunity and increased financial rewards to move elsewhere.

"Ugo was the first Harlequins academy player to be selected for the Lions and has reached a level of maturity which should see him play his very best rugby in the next few years.

"The fans at the Stoop love him and I am sure they will be as pleased as I am that he will continue to deliver on the pitch in a Harlequins shirt."

Monye admitted that his attachment to Quins made it an easy decision to sign a new deal.

He said: "Harlequins has always been a place I've loved, made very special by everyone who has supported me throughout my career as well as all the supporters who have cheered for me week in week out and will hopefully continue to do so.

"I look forward to working with Conor O'Shea and being a big part of what I believe is a great rugby club."

Harlequins have also confirmed the signing of England Under-20 centre Tom Casson on a two-and-a-half-year deal.