Harlequins have launched a double transfer raid on France. The London club have confirmed the capture of the tight-head prop Laurent Gomez from Montferrand and the Stade Français full-back Nathan Williams.

Quins have been eager to strengthen after another disappointing Premiership season, much of which was spent battling against the drop. They eventually rallied to finish ninth, but with the likes of Will Greenwood and Jason Leonard in their ranks they had been expecting much better.

At 31, Gomez has enough experience to bolster Quins at tight head, and the Australian Williams has a wealth of Super 12 experience after four years with Queensland Reds.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of two such experienced and talented players," said Quins' chief executive Mark Evans. "Laurent brings a wealth of experience from one of the toughest leagues in the world, where no props survive long without being impressive scrummagers, whilst Nathan is an exciting talent who I'm sure will add a new dimension to our back play."

Australia's captain George Gregan has warned his players to forget about next year's World Cup or risk losing to France in today's second Test.

Gregan said the Wallabies were in danger of losing their way if they focused all their energies on the defence of their World Cup instead of playing each game as it came.

"You can get yourself in trouble thinking too far ahead," the scrum-half told a media conference yesterday.
PA