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2d ago

Harlequins Name Gilmore Head Coach, Bring In Deans as Performance Director

The overhaul signals a push to halt a slide near the Premiership’s foot and build a longer-term high-performance setup.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Marcus Smith of Harlequins looks on during the Gallagher PREM match between Harlequins and Gloucester Rugby at The Stoop on March 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Quins have underperformed in the Prem this season and are only ahead of Newcastle Red Bulls
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Overview

  • Harlequins confirmed Tuesday a reshaped leadership group, promoting Jason Gilmore to head coach and appointing Robbie Deans as performance director.
  • Deans will join the club’s board on an initial term through the 2027-28 season and will spend extended periods in the UK while supporting the setup remotely when away.
  • Former Exeter coach Rob Hunter will arrive in the summer as forwards coach, and consultant Toby Booth will leave at the end of the current campaign.
  • The changes follow a six-match losing run that has left Quins near the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership and under pressure to improve results.
  • The club says more hires are coming, including in defence roles, after a three-month global search that The Times reports included sounding out Scott Robertson, Warren Gatland and Chris Boyd.