Harlequins confirm Vos arrival

Harlequins welcomed former South African skipper Andre Vos to the Stoop today but waved farewell to England back-row Steve White-Cooper.

Less than 24 hours after wrapping up a disappointing Premiership campaign with yet another defeat at Sale, Quins confirmed the arrival of Vos on a three-and-a-half year contract and the departure of White-Cooper for business reasons.

‘‘We are delighted to sign Andre who is an outstanding international forward,’’ said Quins chief executive Mark Evans.

‘‘He can play in any of the back-row positions and has shown his commitment to the club by signing for an extended period.’’

Vos, 27, has won 32 international caps but lost the captaincy to Bobby Skinstad last year.

He will link up with Quins at the end of the current South African domestic season in October.

Evans also confirmed White-Cooper’s departure, even though he had been an outside candidate for an England tour spot this summer.

White-Cooper won full international honours against Canada 12 months ago, and was also part of the Quins side which beat Narbonne in last year’s European Shield final.

‘‘Steve is a terrific player and we are going to miss him,’’ admitted Evans.