The West Wales club, who have seen Lee Williams, Jason Harries and James Davies in action for Wales at the recent Sevens Rugby World Cup, will be looking to push for a play-off place after finishing sixth last season.
As part of their quest for further success, there have been a number of new arrivals at the Quins with Louie Tonkin joining the club as forwards coach.
“Louie is a young aspiring coach who has played rugby in the Welsh Premiership, English Championship and Ireland and has a tremendous enthusiasm for the game,” said rugby manager Steff Thomas.
“I am certain he will help us on our journey in taking the club forward.”
In addition to Tonkin’s appointment, strength and conditioning coach Rhodri West has joined from the Scarlets while Ian Jones steps up as Director of Rugby, working with Paul Fisher in preparing the team.
On the playing front, hooker Rhodri Clancy has joined from Neath while second row Jon Gardiner has left Connacht to join up with the Quins.
Ex-Aberavon duo Craig Evans and Howard Thomas have also headed west while centre Iolo Evans has joined from RGC 1404.
“We will also have four new academy players this season and it’s great that two of those boys are from the town,” added Thomas.
“We’re delighted to welcome hooker Ryan Elias and prop Jevan Sebastian, both of whom played their junior rugby with Carmarthen Athletic as well as second row Josh Helps from Narberth.
“I must also give a special mention to Scarlets Academy player Dan Jones who progressed through the Quins juniors and the Scarlets Under 16 and 18 teams and played for Wales Under 18’s a year young. Dan will be playing for the Scarlets Under 18’s until Christmas and then linking up with the Quins.”
While a number of new faces have joined, there have been, inevitably, some players who have moved on.
Stalwarts Andrew Thomas and Kevin Jones have both retired after serving the club for a number of seasons while Rich Wilkes has moved to Bedwas, Rheon James has earned a professional contract with the Cornish Pirates and promising centre Alex Pickersgill has pursued a career in Investment banking.
Thomas added: “Both James Dixon and Darren Daniel have taken fresh challenges this season and we wish them all the best.
“I would also like to wish Scarlet Dan Newton all the best with his move to London Scottish. Dan was always professional when he linked up with us and respected the Quins giving us several class performances along the way. His display against Llandovery in the league last year was the difference between the two teams.”
Whatever happens next season, it looks as if the Quins have a number of new players coming through. Carwyn Jones, Gareth Thomas and Sion Bennett all played significant roles in Wales’ success at the recent Junior World Championship and all three will be back in the fold this season.
Thomas added: “We have an excellent squad this year, one that is capable of delivering a good rugby product and we should be set for a very exciting season.”
