Harlequins confirm key coaching appointments

Harlequins have confirmed three major appointments to their rugby leadership structure, naming Robbie Deans as Performance Director, Jason Gilmore as Head Coach and Rob Hunter as Forwards Coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Robbie Deans Appointed Harlequins Performance Director

Former Crusaders and Wallabies head coach Deans will join Harlequins as Performance Director until at least the end of the 2027/28 season. He will also join the club’s board and oversee the wider performance programme, working closely with Head Coach Jason Gilmore and General Manager Andrew Sanger.

Deans brings extensive experience from both international and club rugby. His coaching record includes five Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders and multiple domestic titles in Japan with Saitama Wild Knights.

Jason Gilmore Confirmed As Harlequins Head Coach

Jason Gilmore has been appointed permanent Head Coach after serving in an interim senior coaching role during the 2025/26 season. Gilmore joined Harlequins in 2024 as Defence Coach before stepping up to lead the programme.

The Australian has previous head coaching experience with Australia A, Australia Under-20s and the Barbarians, while also holding roles with the Waratahs and Queensland Reds.

Rob Hunter To Join As Harlequins Forwards Coach

Hunter will join Harlequins in July 2026 as Forwards Coach. The former Exeter Chiefs coach was part of one of the most successful periods in Exeter’s history, including PREM titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup triumph.