A powerful centre, Chris Harris is one of the finest Scottish rugby players of his generation. An ever present for Gloucester and Scotland in recent years, he’s a fan favourite due to his presence as a defensive leader.
Born in Cumbria on 28 December 1990, Chris Harris started playing rugby while at school and represented Carlisle Rugby Club at a young age. From here, he played for Tynedale in National League 1 while he studied at Northumbria University. During this time, he was also registered with the Newcastle Falcons Academy.
Shortly after graduating from university, Chris Harris made his first appearance for Newcastle Falcons in the European Challenge Cup. Then, in December 2014, he scored two tries on his Premiership debut against Saracens. During the season, he also enjoyed a loan spell with Rotherham Titans.
Chris Harris continued to play for Newcastle Falcons until 2019. However, when the side was relegated, he left to join Gloucester, where he still plays today.
Although Chris Harris made a couple of appearances for an England Counties XV in 2013, he received his first call up for the Scotland international side in 2017. This is because he qualifies for Scotland through a Scottish-born grandmother. Since, he’s been a constant presence for the national side and he was integral to their successes against England and France in the 2021 Six Nations Championship.
Due to his impressive performances for Scotland, Chris Harris was recently selected in the 37-man squad for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
With many years of elite rugby still ahead of him, we can’t wait to see what else Chris Harris can achieve for Gloucester, Scotland and the British and Irish Lions.