Richards is looking to build on Quins' fine 2008-09 campaign

Newcastle's England Under-20 fly-half Rory Clegg is one of seven players to join Harlequins ahead of next season.

Clegg is joined by Samoan tight-head prop James Johnston, Bedford scrum-half Karl Dickinson and Argentine centre Gonzalo Camacho.

John Andress (tight-head prop), Lewis Stevenson (lock) and Josh Drauniniu (wing) all arrive from Exeter Chiefs.

The list of 13 players leaving the club is headed by 34-year-old former England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall.

The others are: Mike Ross (prop); De Wet Barry (centre); Chris Malone (outside-half); Alex Rogers (prop); Mickey Pointing (hooker); Peter Bracken (prop); John Brooks (prop); James Inglis (lock); Shane O'Connor (lock); Tom Sargeant (flanker); Phil Davies (back row) and Charlie Amesbury (wing).

606: DEBATE Looks like some good signings, but mostly squad players and they've got rid of some of the dead weight c-K-no7

Seven academy players are promoted to the senior squad.

Quins director of rugby Dean Richards said: "We continue to be committed to a policy of promoting largely home grown and English talent.

"I am delighted to see another excellent crop of young players being elevated from the academy, whilst this year's intake into the academy itself is felt to be a particularly promising one.

"Meanwhile, we are also happy to have retained the vast majority of our talented young senior squad and supplemented them with a sprinkling of signings, who we feel will fit well."

Harlequins finished second behind Leicester in this season's Guinness Premiership, losing in the play-offs to London Irish.

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