With 7 points from the last 9, and the next 3 games against the clubs directly above them in the table, London Skolars are looking to strengthen their push for a play off place adding some new faces to their Co-operative Championship 1 Squad.

Mourad Kriouache joins the club from French elite club Carcassone where he scored 10 tries in 19 appearances in 2010/11. A French junior international half-back and younger brother of Hosni who played 3 games for Skolars in 2009, Mourad is keen to experience life in Championship 1 and sample the delights of London. “The Skolars are showing how strong they are and have put together a team with huge potential – I can’t wait to make my debut.”

Kriouache will replace Jy-Mel Coleman who has accepted an offer to join Keighley Cougars for the remainder of the season and Skolars’ Director of Rugby Mark Croston is looking forward to the month ahead. “Mourad is exactly the type of player we have been looking for – he has a bright future ahead of him. We were sad to see Jy-Mel leave, he’s another young player with a bright future – we wish him well and understand the lure of a famous club such as Keighley.”

Skolars have also boosted their ranks with the promotion of Mathew Ings from the reserves into the first team squad. Ings will add some real presence to the Skolars’ second row as the squad loses Michael Sykes and Jon Paxton who are both touring with Great Britain Students down under for a month.

With a busy month ahead, Skolars also welcome two youngsters on loan – winger Omari Caro and outside back Joe Ridley to the club – both of whom have impressed for Quins at Under 20 level this season.

Skolars’ Head Coach Joe Mbu is relishing their arrival. “I’m really looking forward to working with the boys and am thrilled that our partnership with Harlequins is working so well. It’s great that both clubs are winning and getting stronger.”