The younger cousin of England rugby star Maro Itoje, Andre Harriman-Annous, took another step forward in his own sporting career this weekend, named on the bench for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
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Just three weeks ago, Harriman-Annous was entering the final year of his scholarship. Now, the 17-year-old striker has been rewarded with his first professional contract at the Emirates.
“It’s a really good day to sign my first professional contract,” Harriman-Annous said. “I’m a fan of Arsenal so it’s a dream come true really.
“I want to keep playing in the under-21s, hopefully with England too. I want to go to the under-19 Euros at the end of the season and hopefully, if I keep pushing, I’ll be on the bench and make my debut with the first team. Hopefully, I can make that possible.”
As per Premier League regulations, first professional deals are capped at three years, meaning Harriman-Annous’ new contract likely runs until 2028.
The teenager has already been around the first-team environment this summer, featuring in pre-season and even getting a run-out against Newcastle United. His rise has been quick but not surprising—he has been prolific at youth level, scoring 17 goals across the u18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, Premier League 2, UEFA Youth League, and EFL Trophy last season.
Harriman-Annous’ family ties to elite sport are well known. His cousin, Saracens and England lock Maro Itoje, has been a consistent figure of inspiration. Though excelling in different sports, the pair are said to share a close relationship, with Itoje offering advice on the discipline and mentality required at the highest level. Arsenal coaches have noted how Harriman-Annous carries himself with a maturity beyond his years—something that may well reflect Itoje’s influence.
The striker, who can also play wide, finds himself competing for opportunities at a time when Arsenal’s forward line is particularly stacked. Just as Kai Havertz needed rest, new arrival Viktor Gyökeres stepped in to lead the line, leaving Harriman-Annous waiting for his moment. At 17, however, time is firmly on his side.
For now, his immediate target remains a full step up to regular u21 football. Having played far more minutes for the u18s than the u21s last season, the progression is ongoing. A first-team breakthrough will have to wait—but Arsenal believe it is a matter of when, not if.
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“Goodbye Caterpillar ruck” – Four more rugby law changes for 2025
Rugby thrives on a mix of tradition and evolution, but some laws may no longer serve the game as effectively as they once did.
As the sport grows faster, stronger, and more tactical, certain laws stand out as ripe for reconsideration—not to upend the game, but to make it fairer, safer, and more exciting.
We highlight four specific laws that, with thoughtful updates, could better reflect the way rugby is played today. These ideas come from a deep respect for the game and a desire to see it flourish for players and fans alike.
World Rugby has shown it’s willing to adapt in recent years—these could be the next steps in that evolution.
1. Fewer Substitutions
Rugby has changed significantly over the years, and one of the biggest shifts is how the bench is used. These days, teams often bring on almost an entirely new forward pack late in the game. Big, fresh players crash into tired defenders, making the final 20 minutes less about skill and endurance, and more about brute force. Many fans and former players feel this has turned rugby into a collision sport rather than a contest of stamina and intelligence.
Reducing the number of substitutions would encourage players to pace themselves. Space would open up in the second half, creating more opportunities for creative play rather than endless phases of pick-and-go. It would reward fitness, smart decision-making, and those capable of performing for the full 80 minutes.
Fewer substitutions wouldn’t just make the game more exciting—it would make it fairer, safer, and more in line with the spirit of what rugby has always been about.
With the rise of 6–2 and even 7–1 bench splits, pioneered by Rassie Erasmus, the trend seems to be heading in the opposite direction. That’s all the more reason to act now.