Easter joins the Quins exodus

NICK EASTER has followed his fellow former England forward Graham Rowntree through the exit door at Harlequins.

Quins’ announcement that Easter has left his role as defence coach for personal reasons follows ex-forwards coach Rowntree’s departure last month.

Long-serving skills coach Collin Osborne also left recently, making Easter the third Quins coaching departure this summer. Former Quins and England secondrow Alex Codling was subsequently appointed as the club’s new forwards coach and links up with Quins’ new head of rugby Paul Gustard.

Easter, 39, finished playing two years ago and went into coaching with Quins. He won 54 England caps, playing in three successive World Cups, and made 281 Quins appearances.

A club statement read: “Transferring his playing knowledge to coaching very well, he was a popular and dedicated member of the team.

“Harlequins would like to thank Nick for his contribution, innovation and hard work in this role, and wish him well in his promising coaching career.” Quins kick off their Gallagher Premiership campaign at home to Sale Sharks on September 1. It will be former England defence coach Gustard’s first season at the helm.

SAMOA’S Gordon Langkilde has been arrested after an altercation in the World Cup Sevens that left Wales’ Tom Williams with broken facial bones and two other players injured.

The incident occurred in the tunnel after Wales’ win over Samoa on Sunday.