WATCH: Harlequins’ new ‘unstoppable’ wing signed from Cardiff Met
Harlequins might be onto something here. The London club have spotted an area of untapped resources in recent years in Cardiff Metropolitan University and they have done pretty well out of it.
Quins have already recruited Alex Dombrandt and Luke Northmore from there in recent years, and added another player to their Senior Academy today in winger Roma Zheng.
The winger arrives at the Stoop with some impressive stats during his time in Cardiff, making 233 carries and beating 173 defenders in his two years and looks to be the latest player to come from the university and impress in the Gallagher Premiership after Dombrandt, Northmore and London Irish’s Tom Pearson:
Footage of Zheng online shows this impressive ability to beat tacklers. Take a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRHVhpEnGbc
Because we know you want to see this magic again from Roma Zheng pic.twitter.com/67rSrGvM5X
— Cardiff Met Sport TV (@CMetSportTV) March 23, 2022
Unstoppable from Roma Zheng, and he scores another #CardiffClash classic! @CardiffUni_RFC 0 – 15 @CardiffMetRFC #BUCSSuperRugby #CARCDM pic.twitter.com/U5BuPDW9Wy
— BUCS Super Rugby (@BUCSSuperRugby) December 14, 2022
Speaking ahead of his signing, Zheng said: “Getting the opportunity to be part of the Quins Academy is very exciting, and something I’ve worked really hard to achieve. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I can’t wait to start my journey and contribute to the rich history of the Club.”
Head of Academy Chim Gale said: “We’re thrilled to confirm Roma’s signing and welcome him as a Senior Academy player. Roma is someone that we have had our eye on for a while. He’s a highly talented young player, with great skills, speed and athletic power. We’re confident he will make an impact at Quins and we’re looking forward to watching him develop even further, with another season of BUCS Super Rugby under his belt.”
Dr Daniel Milton, Head of Men’s Performance Rugby at Cardiff Met said: “We are excited for Roma and feel he has the potential to grow and develop into an outstanding rugby talent. It’s fantastic to see the approach Harlequins have taken to supporting Roma in finishing his academic studies whilst starting his career. We are excited to see Roma following in the footsteps of Alex and Luke and continue the strong relationship we have with Harlequins.”
