Deane joins Quins

Harlequins have signed centre Mel Deane on loan from Zurich Premiership rivals Sale Sharks until the end of the season, with an additional one-year contract to follow over the 2003-04 campaign.

Deane, who has represented Ireland A and was also part of the Ireland squad which toured New Zealand last summer, is eligible to play at Bristol on Sunday.

Quins chief executive Mark Evans said: “We are delighted to be able to bring a player of Mel’s quality into the squad at this stage of the season, and look forward to him contributing to the team both on and off the field.”