Ugo Monye has signed a new two-year contract, tying him to Harlequins until 2012.

By the end of his contract, the 26-year-old will have completed 10 years since joining the club as an 18-year academy player in 2002.

Monye has made 118 first-team appearances, scoring 53 appearances.

“I am thrilled to have committed by future to Quins for at least the next two years,” said Monye.

“Harlequins has always been a place I have loved, made very special by everyone who has supported me throughout my career, as well as all the supporters who have cheered me week in week out.”

Conor O’Shea takes over as director of rugby at The Stoop next month and Monye is relishing the prospect of working with the former Ireland international.

“I look forward to working with Conor and being part of what I believe is a great rugby club,” added Monye.

O’Shea expressed delight that Monye had signed the ddeal.

“He was offered both opportunity and increased financial rewards to move elsewhere,” acknowledge O’Shea.

“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."