Quins chase sprint king

Harlequins head a strong contingent of Zurich Premiership clubs completing to capture the services of Victor Olonga, a rising young rugby star with the talent to rival his more famous cricket playing brother.

Nine Zurich clubs want to talk terms with the Zimbabwean, said to be the fastest man in English rugby union, when his contract at Penzance expires in May.

Before this season, Olonga's career with the full Zimbabwe international and sevens sides had been eclipsed by the historic deeds of younger brother Henry, Zimbabwe's first black Test cricketer.

But the 26-year-old's record for his country in more than 30 full appearances and his displays for his country's sevens squad, and for National League Three promotion-chasers Penzance have attracted a lot of attention. He has been watched by scouts from Harlequins, London Irish, Wasps, Saracens and most of the other major English clubs, with further interest shown by French giants Toulouse and Castres.

Olonga's agent Mike Burton, the former England forward, said: "Harlequins phoned me the other day about Victor, as indeed have most of the Premiership clubs. He's the country's fastest wing-centre.

"He is wanted on both sides of the channel because he's a match winner with the best sidestep I've ever seen. His brother might be more famous at the moment, but it looks as if this boy is also going places."

Olonga, believed to be earning £30,000 a year with Pirates, says: "I'm ambitious, but apprehensive about moving because they make you so welcome in Cornwall.

"I don't know whether I can make it as big in sport as my brother, but I want to give it a go."