England centre joins Blues for Super Rugby season

Wellington - England centre Joe Marchant is moving to New Zealand to spend a year playing Super Rugby with the Blues, the Auckland-based franchise announced.

The outside back has been an England under-18 and under-20 international and has played three times for Eddie Jones' senior side.

Despite not making the cut for the World Cup, he starred in their final warm-up match against Italy.

The 23-year-old recently signed a long-term extension to his contract with Harlequins that includes a sabbatical, allowing him to play for the Blues.

"The Blues are excited to be part of this unique arrangement," the franchise's high performance manager Tony Hanks said.

"Joe has impressed us on and off the field and we look forward to him joining us in January. We are confident that he will learn from his experience in Super Rugby and certainly our players, especially our young backs, will greatly appreciate learning from him."

The 1.83 metre, 95kg Marchant has played 85 times for Harlequins and scored 30 tries.

Welcome to the Blues Family Joe!

Learn more about our latest signing! ???? https://t.co/qnHWAlmXHl#BluesAllDay #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/na0SriwoXg

— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) November 9, 2019