Gray: Staying at Harlequins

The 23-year-old enjoyed an outstanding first season with Quins after arriving from Northampton last summer, establishing himself as the first-choice hooker following his debut against Cavalieri Prato in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Gray played the entire 80 minutes as Quins won the final of that competition against Stade Francais, and was part of Stuart Lancaster's victorious England Saxons squad at the Churchill Cup.

And Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea believes Gray has a bright future ahead.

He said: "Joe has made an incredible impact at Harlequins and in the Aviva Premiership, and finishing up in the Saxons group last season was just reward for his work.

"The person, as much as the player, is an important part of what we believe in, and in Joe we have someone who embodies our values to the full.

"We believe Joe has the ability to get better and better, and we are looking forward to him achieving his goals with us over the coming years."

Gray himself added: "I am really pleased to have re-signed with Quins. Since joining Harlequins two years ago, not only has my rugby improved but also my enjoyment for the game. The team plays a great style of rugby and I am excited about the future."

The London club also announced that Academy lock Charlie Matthews, who made his Premiership debut against London Irish on the opening day of the season, has agreed a new contract.