Luger settles for Quins return

Lions and England wing Dan Luger is expected to announce his return to former club Harlequins tomorrow after weeks of speculation about his future.

Having joined the exodus from Saracens at the end of the season, Luger has been considering offers from a number of clubs, including Quins and Gloucester.

The 26-year-old has made it plain that he would prefer to stay in London but was adamant yesterday that he still has an open mind. 'London is my first choice, everybody knows that, but it's not the be-all and end-all,' he said.

'I haven't decided yet. I'm weighing up a few options and I'll make a decision this week. It's about where I'll fit in best and where I can develop over the next few years. I want to give myself the best opportunity to get there by being at a club that will help me improve.'

Harlequins enjoyed a fine end to the season, culminating in their European Shield victory on Sunday, and Luger admitted prospects at The Stoop were more appealing than when he left two years ago. 'They are going to be in Europe next year and they've been going the right way,' he said. 'Mark Evans has turned the club around and they are improving all the time, so they would be a good club to play for.

'Obviously, if the team are bottom of the League and losing every game it doesn't entice you to go and play for them.'

Luger ' s agent Dave Williams confirmed that a move abroad had been effectively ruled out and suggested that his destination was all but a formality.

'Dan believes that staying in England would be a good plan up to the 2003 World Cup,' he said. 'He would like to remain in London, so that pretty much leaves Wasps and Harlequins. He has played at Quins before and has been a fan of the club since he was young.'