Gustard exits Quins after club review
Paul Gustard left Harlequins as head of rugby yesterday following a damning internal review, The Daily Telegraph has learnt.
The club said that it had been “mutually agreed” for Gustard to leave with immediate effect “to enable him to pursue other opportunities”, which are believed to relate to the vacant role of Wales defence coach. However, The Telegraph understands that Gustard was pushed rather than deciding to jump after a run of two victories from eight games this season.
That poor form has led to significant unrest in the dressing room and the divisions are thought to extend to the coaching staff. A number of high-profile players, including fly-half Marcus Smith and full-back Mike Brown, had been linked with moves away.
The internal review, which was focused on the club’s long-term ethos and vision, painted Gustard in an unflattering light, and the playing staff were informed of his departure yesterday lunchtime. Billy Millard, the general manager, will take charge for the rest of the season.
Although the club claim to be in no rush to appoint a permanent successor, they have been previously been linked with Scott Robertson, the all-conquering Crusaders coach who was passed over for the All Blacks job. Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster has also impressed at Leinster.
Millard, who was previously head coach of the Melbourne Rebels and Australia’s men’s sevens, will be assisted by Jerry Flannery, Nick Evans and Adam Jones. Gustard, who enjoyed success as part of Saracens’ coaching staff before joining England as defence coach under Eddie Jones, arrived at Harlequins in 2018.
Harlequins have since finished in fifth and sixth place over the past two seasons, qualifying for the Champions Cup on both occasions. They are in seventh place at the moment. Gustard’s comments following the recent 27-27 draw against London Irish pointed to larger issues, with Harlequins blowing a 12-point lead late in the second half. “We make too many simple errors and are the architects of our own downfall. It’s the same thing happening week on week,” Gustard said. Gustard is the third Harlequins coaching change in less than five years, following the departures of Conor O’shea and John Kingston. The club last won the Premiership under O’shea in 2012. Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers signed Argentina hooker Julian Montoya on a multi-year contract.