Cardiff Rugby have bolstered their second-row resources with the signing of former Wales Under-20s international Jonny Green.

The 22-year-old arrives from Harlequins with immediate effect on a long-term deal and provides additional strength and depth to the Blue & Blacks following the announcement that George Nott will retire in December.

Green, who has represented Wales through the age-groups, joined Quins’ senior academy in 2022, and has gone on to make 30 senior appearances for the club.

Cardiff Rugby head coach Corniel van Zyl said: “We were really impressed with Jonny and the way he presented himself when we met him. 

“He’s a big, physical lock, standing over 6ft 7ins and there’s a nice weight to him, but the biggest thing is his rugby pedigree and his motivation.

“As with any young second-row there is stuff to work on but he has a huge appetite to improve. He has come through Harlequins academy, has played a good amount, and has been pushing for more minutes in a competitive squad.

“He can be a real asset for us in the future. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the Arms Park, seeing him settle in, go out and perform. It’s always good to bring back Welsh qualified players and we are excited to see what he can bring now and in the future.”

From Hayward’s Heath to Harlequins… and now Cardiff!

Green, who was born in Hayward’s Heath, qualifies for Wales through his mother’s side of the family, while his father captained Cardiff Met and played for Neath, Newbridge and Saracens.

He was educated at Seaford College where his father was headmaster and consequently progressed through the Harlequins pathway, joining their senior academy in 2022. 

He made his first team debut that season and has gone on to make 30 appearances for the West London club.

Standing at 6ft 7ins and tipping the scales at 124kg, Green brings a physical presence, a relentless work-rate and played Under-20s rugby alongside the likes of the Emanuel brothers, Cam Winnett, Lucas de la Rua and Matty Young.

Green said: “I’m really excited to meet the boys and get stuck into training. Cardiff is such a historic club, they play a great brand of rugby and there is an exciting group of players. I also know the city well having progressed through the age-grade system.

“I played age-grade rugby with a lot of the boys and it is great to see the opportunities they are getting at the club. From watching the game on Saturday night at St Helen’s, there were a lot of young players making their mark in a really good performance. 

“So I am looking forward to moving down to Cardiff and contributing to the group. The main things I bring are physicality and work-rate, they are the two foundations I always review my performances against, so hopefully I can bring that to Cardiff.

“I am very grateful to Harlequins for the opportunities they have given me and I have loved my time there but I’m now looking forward to the next chapter in my career and kicking on at Cardiff.”