New Harlequins head coach in sights as two candidates ruled out

Gallagher Prem strugglers Harlequins are closing in on their new boss, who will be charged with reviving their flagging fortunes next season.

RugbyPass understands Quins have identified who they want to offer the job to and are hopeful of making an announcement in the next few weeks.

It is a big job for whoever they appoint. Quins have lost eight of their 10 Prem games this season, four of five in the Prem Rugby Cup, and the only glimmer of relief has come in the Champions Cup, winning three of four games.

They will be hoping that brings some stability after a seemingly endless number of coaching re-shuffles since head of rugby Paul Gustard left the club five years ago.

Quins have certainly left no stone unturned in their search, with former Scotland coach Vern Cotter believed to have thrown his hat in the ring before landing the Queensland Reds job for the 2027 to 2028 season.

The CV of Kobe Steelers head coach Dave Rennie, who is approaching the end of his contract in Japan, has been circulating, but according to reports in New Zealand, he is the favourite to become the new All Blacks boss.

Scott Robertson, who became only the second coach, after Wayne Smith, to leave the All Blacks job between World Cup tournaments, has also been touted as a possible contender for a move to south-west London.

Strong rumours from several sources have suggested that Mark Mapletoft, who spent a decade coaching at the Twickenham Stoop before leaving for the RFU in 2020, is in a strong position to return to the club.

Club legend Nick Easter, who is doing a strong job on a shoestring with Chinnor in the Champ, has also been interviewed and asked whether he would be willing to take on another role if he misses out on the top job.