Kennedy set for Quins move

Nick Kennedy is expected to sign for Harlequins after it was confirmed yesterday that he is leaving European champions Toulon.

Kennedy asked to move on from the French club for “personal reasons” and Toulon have replaced the former England international by signing New Zealand’s World Cup-winning lock Ali Williams.

Harlequins are in the market for someone to fill the gap left by Olly Kohn, who retired because of a long-standing shoulder injury.

Kennedy, who spent 11 years at London Irish before moving to Toulon, is understood to have been lined up as Kohn’s replacement at The Stoop. The 31-year-old struggled to settle on the Cote d’Azur and at times last season admitted to doubting the wisdom of the move.

But he forced his way into Toulon’s star-studded team and achieved a career ambition in winning the Heineken Cup with a 16-15 victory over Clermont Auvergne.

Kennedy (above) was grateful Toulon president Mourad Boujellal accepted his request for an early release.

“Winning the Heineken Cup was a highlight for me,” he tweeted. “I’m very lucky to have played with some of the world’s best players. Thank you to the president for releasing me for personal reasons.”