Harlequins have confirmed Jason Gilmore as their permanent head coach, simultaneously announcing that former Australia coach Robbie Deans will join the club as performance director starting next season.
Gilmore, who initially arrived at Quins in 2024 as defence coach, has been acting as interim head coach for the last six months following Danny Wilson’s departure just before the current season began.
He will collaborate closely with the 66-year-old Deans, a former New Zealand full-back with a distinguished coaching career, having served as assistant coach for the All Blacks before making history in 2007 as the first non-Australian to coach the Wallabies.
The club also revealed that Rob Hunter, previously a coach for Exeter Chiefs until the end of last season, will join The Stoop as forwards coach for the upcoming campaign.
This new coaching triumvirate faces the significant challenge of revitalizing Quins, who are currently second to last in the Premiership and recently suffered their sixth consecutive defeat against fellow strugglers Gloucester on Saturday.
Commenting on his new permanent role, Gilmore stated, “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.”
Regarding Deans’s appointment, Gilmore expressed, “Having Robbie come on board is such a positive addition. The guidance and support he will provide me personally, as well as our coaching and playing group, will be invaluable.”
Addressing the fans, he conveyed, “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.”
Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple also mentioned plans to hire an assistant defence coach, which would allow Gilmore to delegate some of his current responsibilities.
