Easter calls time on his playing days

NICK EASTER today retired as a player in order to concentrate on his new post as Harlequins’ defence coach.

The former England No8 initially planned to have a dual role but has now decided he needs to focus fully on coaching.

Easter played his first professional match at Orrell in 2001 and made 281 appearances after joining Quins three years later.

“Having accepted the opportunity to become a coach-player by director of rugby John Kingston, I took some time to think about my career,” said the 37-year-old. “I realised that whether I’m playing or coaching, there was no possible way I would be able to give 100 per cent to both of my roles at the same time.

“I thought, why not grab the opportunity of becoming a coach with both hands, give it my best shot and feel privileged to be in a position to go out on my own terms after 12 great years as a player for Harlequins?

“I’m a few weeks into my role now and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Having had five weeks in the off-season to finalise it and four weeks now as a coach, I don’t regret my decision. I can’t wait for the new season to begin.”

Easter has been a key member of Harlequins’ back row and was similarly prominent for England between 2007 and 2011, making 54 appearances for his country.

He captained England and appeared at two World Cups but was jettisoned by head coach Stuart Lancaster when Martin Johnson’s successor took over five years ago.

Lancaster cited Easter’s age as the reason for his international exile but his form for Quins led to a recall for last year’s Six Nations and he was an injury call-up for England at the 2015 World Cup.

“Nick has been an unbelievable servant to the Harlequins team,” Kingston said. “He has been at the very heartbeat of all the successes the side have achieved over this period.”