Harlequins announce three big coaching appointments as Robbie Deans and Jason Gilmore given key roles at Gallagher PREM side
Updated 24/03/2026 at 11:31 GMT
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Harlequins have confirmed the permanent appointment of Jason Gilmore as head coach, with Robbie Deans and Rob Hunter also announced as additions to the off-field team at Twickenham Stoop. Quins, with just two wins from 11 matches, sit ninth in the Gallagher PREM table and next up visit Bristol Bears on Saturday afternoon. "I am genuinely excited about the challenge ahead," Gilmore said.
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There have been some big changes at the top of Harlequins with three new appointments announced on Tuesday.
Jason Gilmore has been confirmed as head coach, having taken the role as an interim following the departure of Danny Wilson.
Robbie Deans has been appointed as performance director and Rob Hunter as forwards coach.
Harlequins sit ninth in the Gallagher PREM table, with two wins and nine defeats this season. Securing the services of Gilmore will give the club some stability moving forward with consultant Toby Booth already having been announced as leaving at the end of this campaign.
”I am genuinely excited about the challenge ahead and what we can achieve at Harlequins,” said Gilmore in a club statement.
”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.
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”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 finished seventh in the table last season, having last won the Premiership title back in 2021.
They have had a tricky few seasons, with a number of key players retiring from duty including Joe Marler and Danny Care.
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With Wilson also departing, there has been plenty of change on the touchline as well - but the new appointments should offer the stability the club has been craving.
”I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Harlequins - it’s a club with such a rich history and identity,” Hunter said.
”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.”
Harlequins visit Bristol Bears in the PREM on Saturday before taking on Sale in the Investec Champions Cup on April 3.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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