O'Shea: Easter has key role in Quins future (From Your Local Guardian)

O'Shea: Easter has key role in Quins future

12:13pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Rugby Union By Stuart Amos

Harlequins number eight Nick Easter has signed a three year deal to keep him at the Stoop until 2015.

The 33-year-old England international put in a man of the match performance in his side's 30-23 Premiership win over London Irish on Saturday.

And he admitted Quins' style of rugby played a key part in his decision to commit to the club.

“I’m delighted to have re-signed with Harlequins. It is a club that allows you to express yourself on the pitch," he said.

"We’re playing an attractive style of rugby that is not only producing positive results it is also enjoyable to be part of.

"I’m looking forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the team and to winning more silverware for the club and its supporters.”

And Quins director of rugby Conor O’Shea insisted Easter's presence will play a key role in how the club progresses in the immediate future.

"I believe Nick is currently the best number eight in the country," he added.

“Nick still has a lot that he wants to achieve in the game. Having come to professional rugby later than others, and given the condition he keeps himself in, we believe he will play at the highest level for years to come.

“Players like Brad Thorne, Simon Shaw and Fabien Pelous are examples of what Nick will be for this club and his experience, leadership and above all, rugby will be the key to where we go in coming years.”