Harlequins turn to Super Rugby champions for latest appointment

Harlequins have recruited Brad Cooper as their new attack coach ahead of next season, just days after guiding the Hurricanes to the Super Rugby Pacific title, as reported by RugbyPass.

Cooper’s appointment is the latest step in a coaching overhaul at the Stoop, which will see Robbie Deans arrive as performance director, Rob Hunter take charge of the forwards, Sean Long return as the club’s skills and transition coach, Jordan Turner-Hall lead the defence, and Jason Gilmore remain as head coach.

The Kiwi has been in charge of the Hurricanes’ attack over the past two Super Rugby campaigns, ending his time in New Zealand with a comprehensive 60-5 victory over the Chiefs in the final on Saturday.

The Canes averaged 41 points and 6.4 tries per game through the regular Super Rugby season and became the first Super Rugby team to surpass 100 tries in a single campaign (114) under Cooper’s tutelage.

He will arrive at the Stoop to take over from compatriot Nick Evans, who ended his 18-year association with the club this year.

“I’m really excited to be joining Harlequins. Having spoken with Jason (Gilmore) and the coaching group about the vision for this team, it’s clear there’s a real ambition here to play rugby with tempo, and that’s exactly the environment I want to be part of,” Cooper said.

“Leaving the Hurricanes after a fantastic couple of years, which was capped with a Super Rugby title this weekend, wasn’t an easy decision. It’s been a hugely rewarding part of my coaching journey, and I’ve learnt so much both professionally and personally.

“But this is a great chance to help shape an attacking identity at a club with such history, and test myself as a coach in the northern hemisphere in the Gallagher PREM.

“I’ve watched Quins from afar and I know the DNA of this club is built on ambitious, attacking rugby – that’s a huge part of what drew me here. I can’t wait to get into pre-season, get to know the players, and start building something special at The Stoop.”

Gilmore added: “We’re delighted to welcome Brad to Harlequins. This is an appointment we’ve been working towards carefully, and I have no doubt he is the right person to help us build the style of play and identity we want to establish at the club.

“He’s spent the last two seasons at the Hurricanes, one of the most exciting and expansive attacking teams in Super Rugby, and he’s been a real part of what they’ve built there. The tempo, the ambition, the ability to create and finish – that resonates strongly with what Harlequins stands for, and Brad has lived it, developed it and delivered it at a high level.

“He will also complement the coaches we already have here brilliantly. Rob, Adam, Jordan, Sean and Matt – they each bring something distinct to this group, and Brad will sit right at the heart of that, connecting our attack with a clear vision. The blend of experience and perspective across this coaching staff is something I’m genuinely excited about, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Quins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple said: “We’re thrilled to confirm Brad’s appointment, and I believe it’s one that reflects the ambition of where we wish to take Harlequins in the future. The attack coach role is fundamental – not just in terms of what happens on the pitch, but in defining the team we want to be and the brand of rugby we want to play. We were clear about the profile we needed, and Brad’s coaching philosophy meant he was a standout candidate throughout the process. His approach to the game, and his clear role modelling and player development qualities shone through.

“Over the past couple of years, Brad has clearly demonstrated his abilities as a coach, contributing to the success of the Taranaki provincial win in the 2023 NPC competition, and of course most recently in ensuring that the Hurricanes won their Super Rugby Pacific title, playing some exhilarating, attacking rugby throughout the campaign. We’re confident he will make a lasting impact at The Stoop.

“Reflecting more broadly, several key appointments have been confirmed in recent weeks across the entire performance programme, and we have recruited a group of coaching staff around Jason that I believe can drive quick and positive change to support the groups development. There is a real quality and a blend of experience, and character that gives us confidence and excitement about what this team can achieve heading into the 2026/27 season and beyond.”