Quins hand second chance to Bryan

Lamont Bryan is back in the squad after a year in the reserves

Harlequins have handed former academy player Lamont Bryan a contract for 2010, effectively giving the 21-year-old a second chance.

The back-row player was dropped to the reserves after underperforming in 2008.

"I want to prove to everyone that I can earn a place in the squad," Bryan said after being given a squad number.

"When I first signed a contract I mistakenly thought 'this is it, I have made it'. I've learnt a lot over the last year."

Bryan came through the 2009 reserve fixtures as top try-scorer and that was enough to impress Harlequins coach Brian McDermott.

"Lamont has turned his career around. He deserves a lot of credit and I'm sure we'll see more of him in first-team action next year," he said.

The Londoner picked up his first professional contract in October 2007, having made his way through Harlequins' academy ranks.