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Former England coach Brian Smith dies aged 59
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Quins confirm Robbie Deans' arrival along with two 'significant appointments'
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Harlequins have confirmed that former Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans will become the club’s performance director from next season, as reported by RugbyPass.
The former Saitama Wild Knights coach, who left his role last year with five Japanese titles to his name, has a deal that will run until the end of the 2027/28 season with Quins, and will spend “extended periods” with the club as well as working remotely.
“Harlequins is a proud club with a strong history and it is a privilege to be asked to contribute towards the future,” the former Super Rugby-winning coach said, adding, “there are many good people within their ranks and I look forward to working with them.”
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Quins also announced two further appointments, with interim senior coach Jason Gilmore becoming head coach, and Rob Hunter joining in the summer as forwards coach.
Gilmore originally joined the club in 2024 as defence coach, while Hunter spent over a decade as a coach at Exeter Chiefs, winning the Gallagher PREM and Investec Champions Cup.
“I am genuinely excited about the challenge ahead and what we can achieve at Harlequins,” said Gilmore.
“This is a club with a proud identity and history built on playing ambitious, exciting rugby whilst challenging convention. Our job now is to reconnect with those foundations and rebuild a style of play that both reflects who we are and makes our supporters proud.
“There’s a significant amount of work to be done, but that’s what makes this such an exciting opportunity. We’re committed to building the right environment, the right standards, and the right squad to take this club forward.
“Having Robbie come on board is such a positive addition to our club. The guidance and support he will provide me personally as well as our coaching and playing group will be invaluable.
“To our supporters, we genuinely appreciate the backing we’ve received through a tough year. We’ll need that continued support, because returning Harlequins to where it belongs will take a collective effort – but it’s one we’re fully committed to.”
Hunter added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Harlequins – it’s a club with such a rich history and identity.
“Harlequins has the perfect DNA for the modern game. The foundations are here and that genuinely excites me. Of course, there’s real work ahead to bring all of that together and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching team to do that.
“I’m coming back into the PREM refreshed and hungry to make a difference – not just for the club, but for the whole Quins community. I can’t wait to get started and meet the players, staff and supporters who make the club what it is.”
