Key Points
- 22-year-old qualified Welsh lock Jonny Green has been signed by Cardiff Rugby immediately.
- Green has signed for Cardiff on a “long-term deal”, according to the Cardiff club.
- He appeared 30 times for Harlequins since his debut in 2022.
- This comes following Cardiff announcing their second-rower George Nott will retire in December.
- Green used to play for the Under-20s team of Wales and trained for the senior team of the country in the 2024 Six Nations Championship.
- According to Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl, Green is big, physical, experienced player in terms of rugby and motivated.
- Harlequins’ head coach Jason Gilmore said the club understands Green’s desire to grab an opportunity in Wales.
- Green is likely to go up against Teddy Williams, Josh McNally, Rory Thornton and Tom Manz for the starting position in the second-row.
- Cardiff, who currently sit seventh in the United Rugby Championship, are scheduled to face Ulster at Arms Park in Cardiff on Saturday, 5 December, 15:00 GMT.
Cardiff (Wales Times) November 04, 2026 — uk/sports/cardiff-rugby/">Cardiff Rugby have signed former Wales Under-20s lock Jonny Green from Harlequins with immediate effect, strengthening their second-row options after confirming that George Nott will retire next month.
The 22-year-old has joined the Welsh region on a long-term contract and is expected to make his Cardiff debut after the November international break for the Nations Championship. As reported by BBC Sport, Cardiff described the agreement as a “long-term deal”, while the club confirmed that Green arrives from Harlequins following 30 senior appearances for the English Premiership side.
Why has Cardiff signed Jonny Green?
Cardiff have moved to reinforce their lock resources after announcing that Nott, 30, will retire from professional rugby in December. As reported by Josh Raisey of RugbyPass, Nott will remain available to Cardiff throughout December before ending a playing career that included spells with Sale Sharks, London Irish and the Dragons.
Green’s arrival provides an immediate addition to Cardiff’s second-row group. RugbyPass reported that Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl had said the club were already active in the market for a replacement following Nott’s retirement announcement.
Van Zyl said Cardiff were impressed by Green during their meeting and pointed to his physical profile and potential for development. As reported by WalesOnline, the Cardiff head coach said: “We were very impressed with Jonny and how he presented himself during our meeting. He is a large, physical lock at over 6ft 7ins, with a solid build. However, what stands out most is his rugby background and drive.”
Van Zyl added that, like any young second-row player, Green has areas to develop, but said he has a strong desire to improve. He also said Green’s experience through the Harlequins academy and his pursuit of greater playing time in a competitive environment could make him a significant asset for Cardiff.
Who is Jonny Green?
Green is a 22-year-old lock who came through Harlequins’ age-group system before making his senior debut in 2022. According to Harlequins’ official announcement, he made 30 appearances for the club and previously spent time on loan at London Scottish and Chinnor.
He is Welsh-qualified through his mother’s side of the family. BBC Sport reported that Green was born in Sussex and that his parents live in Gowerton, while he has represented Wales at Under-20 level and was called up to train with the senior Wales squad during the 2024 Six Nations.
Cardiff’s official website confirmed the signing of the former Wales Under-20s international, describing it as a boost to the club’s second-row resources.
What did Jonny Green say about leaving Harlequins?
Green thanked Harlequins for his development at the club and said he was ready for a new stage of his career. As reported by BBC Sport, he said: “I’m extremely thankful to Harlequins for the chances they’ve provided me, and I have truly enjoyed my time there. However, I am eager to embark on this new chapter in my career and make strides at Cardiff.”
In Harlequins’ own announcement, Green said he had been at the club since he was 15 and described it as a major part of his journey and development. He said he now felt the time was right to pursue his ambitions in Wales, calling Cardiff “a massive opportunity”.
Green also outlined the qualities he hopes to bring to Cardiff. As reported by BBC Sport, he said: “The key attributes I bring are physicality and a strong work ethic; these are the two principles against which I always evaluate my performances, and I hope to contribute that to Cardiff.”
How have Harlequins responded to the transfer?
Harlequins confirmed Green’s departure with immediate effect and praised his contribution to the club. Their head coach, Jason Gilmore, described him as a valued member of the squad and a product of the club’s academy pathway.
As reported by RugbyPass, Gilmore said: “Jonny has been a valued part of our squad and product of our academy pathway. He stepped up in tough periods for us last season too, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career.”
Gilmore also said competition in Harlequins’ second row and wider squad was increasing, and that the club respected Green’s desire to take up an opportunity in Wales, for whom he is internationally qualified.
Where does Green fit in Cardiff’s squad?
Green joins a Cardiff second-row group that includes Teddy Williams, Josh McNally, Rory Thornton and Tom Manz. BBC Sport reported that he will compete for playing time against those players as Cardiff manage the impending loss of Nott.
Cardiff currently sit seventh in the United Rugby Championship. BBC Sport reported that the Blue and Blacks will next face Ulster at the Arms Park on Saturday, 5 December, at 15:00 GMT.
Green’s move also gives him a route to continue developing in Wales, where he is eligible to represent the national team. RugbyPass reported that his arrival offers the 124kg forward the chance to pursue his international ambitions at Cardiff.
Background of the development
Green joined Harlequins’ senior academy in 2022 after attending Seaford College and representing Midhurst RFC. According to Ultimate Rugby, he had previously represented Wales at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level.
Harlequins had extended Green’s contract in December 2025, and he went on to make 30 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club. BBC Sport reported that his departure comes shortly after Cardiff announced Nott’s retirement, creating a vacancy in the region’s second row.
Cardiff Rugby confirmed the signing on its official website, while Harlequins separately announced Green’s immediate departure. RugbyPass reported that the transfer fills the vacancy created by Nott’s decision to retire at the end of December.
Prediction: What does this mean for Cardiff supporters?
For Cardiff supporters, Green’s signing is likely to increase competition in the second row and provide additional depth ahead of Nott’s retirement. His immediate availability means head coach Corniel van Zyl can integrate him into the squad during the November break, with a possible debut after the Nations Championship window.
For fans following Wales’s player pathway, the transfer may be significant because Green is Welsh-qualified and has already trained with the senior national squad. His move to Cardiff could give him more regular opportunities in Welsh professional rugby, although his playing time will depend on how quickly he adapts and competes with established Cardiff locks.
For Harlequins supporters, the departure removes an academy-developed forward who made 30 senior appearances, but the club has indicated that competition in its second-row group is growing.
