Gustard coaches Harlequins Ladies with Saracens rematch looming

Former England defence coach Paul Gustard has worked with Harlequins Ladies ahead of their Tyrrells Premier 15s fixture against Saracens Women tomorrow, in another significant advance for gender integration in the sport.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Harlequins Ladies asked for Gustard to take a session as the side prepare to face the defending champions in a rematch of April’s Premier 15s final.

Last season the two London sides dominated the Premier 15s, but Harlequins have made a mixed start this time, including a loss to Loughborough Lightning and a draw against Bristol.

Karen Findlay, Harlequins Ladies joint-head coach, explained how after Standing in: Paul Gustard has worked with the women’s team in a significant move

spending time with Gustard and his coaching team, she asked if he could lend his experience. “It was refreshing to see how supportive they are, how open they are to sharing their ideas,” she said.

As Simon Middleton, the England head coach, named his 28-woman autumn international squad, one area of concern is at tighthead, as Sarah Bern and Justine Lucas are out through injury.

Harlequins’ Shaunagh Brown, who made her England debut last season as a back row, has converted to tighthead under the guidance of Findlay, a former Scotland front row, and could start in the opening Test against the United States on Nov 9. On Nov 17, England face Canada and on Nov 24 take on Ireland at Twickenham after the men’s final autumn Test against Australia. Loughborough centre Carys Williams, 25, is one of seven uncapped players in the squad.