Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Harlequins hand out coaching contract extensions

By Online Editors
Harlequins hand out new coaching contracts

Harlequins have announced contract extensions for Director of Rugby John Kingston, Head Coach Mark Mapletoft and Forwards Coach Graham Rowntree.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kingston said: “I’m immensely proud to have the opportunity to continue being part of a club that is evolving both on and off the field.

“I know the squad is in a much stronger position now than when I took over and I’m looking forward to kicking on with the next phase of the team’s development.”

In his first season as Director of Rugby, Kingston lead Harlequins to the Club’s highest Premiership finish in three years and secured European Champions Cup rugby at The Stoop for the first time since the 2014/15 season.

Speaking on the Mapletoft and Rowntree extensions, Kingston said: “I am delighted Mark and Graham have committed their futures to Harlequins.

“Mark is one of the brightest and most forward-thinking coaches in the Aviva Premiership and, with three British and Irish Lions tours as coach under his belt, Graham is regarded as one of the finest Forwards coaches in the world.

“They bring a huge amount of knowledge, experience and expertise to the club and to have them extend their time at Harlequins is a real sign of intent.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Confirming the news, Harlequins Chief Executive, David Ellis said: “Harlequins is on an exciting journey both on and off the field – John, Mark and Graham are a vital part of that.

“The trio have a huge passion for the Club and they continue to evolve our style of play. John is developing the squad gradually to be his own and his great desire to evolve a positive environment across the club will stand us in good stead, as we layout our long term vision to drive Harlequins onto the next level “

“The extension of these contracts will push attention towards the longer-term ambitions of the club, but it’s the immediate future and the remainder of this season that is our main concern” added Kingston. “Our focus is on the resumption of the Aviva Premiership next month, where there is so much still to play for, together with the opportunities which the Anglo Welsh competition still presents for us this season.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 56 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING 'It's an All Black discussion': The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys
Search