Young Medway Rugby Club player Gavin Hyder has signed a professional contract with the Harlequins Rugby League Academy.

The 16-year-old has put pen to paper on an 18-month deal and will play for Harlequins’ under-18 side.

Hyder, who played for Medway RFC from the age of 12, won his contract after impressing despite the change of code in an open trial at Harlequins last spring.