Harlequins have announced three significant appointments to their rugby programme. Former All Blacks’ Assistant Coach Robbie Deans is the new Performance Director, Interim Senior Coach Jason Gilmore is the new Head Coach, and the former Exeter Chiefs Forwards and Head Coach Rob Hunter will take over as Forwards Coach. This comes just days after Quins lost to Gloucester.
Robbie Deans – Performance Director
Robbie Deans will join the Board of Harlequins as Performance Director, initially until the end of the 2027/28 season. He will take a holistic view of the programme and work closely with the new Head Coach, Jason Gilmore, and General Manager, Andrew Sanger MBE, to create an environment for long-term success in all departments across their performance programme, focusing on playing identity, talent development and club culture.
Harlequins is a proud club with a strong history, and it is a privilege to be asked to contribute towards the future. There are many good people within their ranks, and I look forward to working with them.” Dean said on his appointment, which starts in July 2026.
Jason Gilmore – Head Coach
Jason Gilmore originally joined Quins in 2024 as the Defence Coach, before stepping up to Senior Coach at the start of the 2025/26 season. He has had previous Head Coach experience, having held the role with Australia A, Australia u20s and the Barbarians as well as holding roles of Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Defence Coach at the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds.
Gilmore said, “I am genuinely excited about the challenge ahead and what we can achieve at Harlequins. 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. 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.”
Rob Hunter – Forwards Coach
Rob Hunter joins Harlequins as the Forwards Coach in July 2026. Hunter was part of the coaching team when Exeter Chiefs completed a historic double, winning both the PREM and European Champions Cup titles in 2020, so has a wealth of experience.
Hunter said “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 this club what it is.”
