Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard leaves club with immediate effect

[ASFN Admin]

Harlequins have announced that head of rugby Paul Gustard has left the club with immediate effect, following only two wins from eight matches so far this season. In a statement the club said that it had been "mutually agreed" for Gustard to leave with immediate effect "to enable him to pursue other opportunities". "The club thanks Paul for his tireless energy and commitment over the last two and a half years," Harlequins added. "His passion and drive to succeed have been evident throughout his time at the club. Everyone at Harlequins wishes Paul and his family all the very best for the future." Billy Millard, Harlequins' general manager, will now take charge for the rest of the season, assisted by Jerry Flannery, Nick Evans and Adam Jones. Millard was previously head coach of the Melbourne Rebels and the men's Australia Sevens side. Gustard, who previously enjoyed great success as part of Saracens' coaching staff before joining England as defence coach under Eddie Jones, arrived at Harlequins back in 2018 following the national side's tour of South Africa. Harlequins have since finished in 5th and 6th place over the past two seasons under Gustard, qualifying for the Champions Cup on both occasions but missing out on the Premiership play-offs. However, this season's poor run of form has left Harlequins in seventh place following the opening six rounds of Premiership matches. Gustard's comments following the recent 27-27 draw against London Irish pointed to larger issues at the club, with Harlequins blowing a 12-point lead late in the second half.

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