It is a defector in the form of a bet that the London Harlequins are attempting. The English champions have just hired Christian Scotland-Williamson, former professional American footballer in the huge NFL. The 27-year-old is coming out of two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a tight-end.
Retained in the training group thanks to the international exchange program led by the US League, he did not however play any official game. Engaged with the “Quins” as a second-line, Scotland-Williamson returns to his first love and finds the second-line position he occupied in Worcester (2014-2017) before flying to the United States. .
“I learned a lot from my experience in America and I come back to rugby with a different vision, the player told his club’s website. Playing at the highest level is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. The Harlequis play attractive and positive rugby. I look forward to working with this staff to take my career to the next level. “
Despite this long period without playing rugby, the boy appears as an excellent recruit for Adam Jones, coach of the London scrum: “Christian is a fantastic athlete with a solid foundation in rugby. He had an exceptional chance to have this experience in the NFL, especially thanks to his years in Worcester. I am convinced that he will bring us all his experience and that he will contribute to the progress of our team. “
As recalled the BBC website, Scotland-Williamson is one of three former England League players to have tried his luck in the NFL in recent years. Before him was former England and Wasps winger Christian Wade, who spent three seasons as a runningback with the Buffalo Bills. Former Newcastle, London Irish and National Sevens National Team third row Alex Gray took on the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 before returning for the season. last, in Bath, after missing his chance at the tight-end position.
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