"I just couldn’t turn this opportunity down" - Gustard

Paul Gustard insisted today he could not turn down the chance to become Harlequins head of rugby despite leaving England needing to find a new defence coach just 16 months away from the World Cup.

Although he has left Eddie Jones, the England head coach, with a major problem to solve, Gustard insisted the pair are parting on good terms.

Gustard will take control of Quins after England’s three test tour of South Africa and will have sole responsibility for turning the club around after their poor season which cost John Kingston his role as director of rugby.

He said: “My relationship with Eddie is strong and positive. He has supported me in accepting this new role and I will continue to have a strong relationship with him on our tour to South Africa and beyond. He was the first to give me an opportunity in 2008 and again in 2016 when he recruited me for England. I will always be thankful to him.

“However, I am now ready to lead a team and I am thrilled to have this chance at one of the Premiership’s biggest clubs. I just couldn’t turn this opportunity down. It is incredibly exciting to be part of the next chapter at Quins.

“Opportunities like this don’t come along very often. To be given the chance to lead a club as rich in talent, heritage and support as Harlequins is hugely exciting.

“I am a proud Englishman and it has been a privilege to represent my country and work under Eddie. There have been some incredible memories which I will cherish, and I will look back proudly on my contribution with England. I am desperate for England to do well as we push on to World Cup glory next year. I would like to thank the RFU and Eddie personally for their support and for allowing me to leave early to take up this fantastic opportunity with Harlequins.”

Dave Ellis, the Quins CEO is delighted with his new head of rugby and will announce a new General Manager to support Gustard shortly.“We were determined to recruit a coach with a proven track record in delivering a winning team and environment, and we have done that,” said Ellis.

“Paul has extensive experience at the highest levels with Saracens and England and is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby.

“Over the last two years, he has won trophies and titles with England and, of course, he knows the Premiership very well, having been an integral part of Saracens’ recent successes. We are confident that Paul is the ideal coach to take the Club forward.

“We are very grateful to the RFU for its support and co-operation in releasing Paul early from his contract with England. Harlequins prides itself on being a supplier of talent to the national team and this move will hopefully enhance that already excellent relationship.

“We will be announcing the appointment of a new General Manager in due course. The two leadership roles in the Club’s new rugby operations structure is an important step towards our long-term ambition of taking Harlequins back to the very top of English and European rugby.”