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Daily Mail have reported that the Harlequins will be using their All Blacks partnership to aid in their search for a new head coach.
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The London based Aviva Premiership side let go John Kingston earlier in the week following a 35-5 home beating, creating a vacancy at the helm.
The Harlequins, who announced a ‘strategic partnership’ with the All Blacks in March, will reportedly ask for advice and a shortlist of potential coaches from New Zealand.
“This is new territory for New Zealand Rugby and this unique relationship will open some useful connections in that part of the world,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said at the time of the announcement.
“With its strong ex-pat community, London is of key strategic importance to New Zealand Rugby, and when you factor in our shared relationship with adidas, this cooperation agreement is a very natural fit.
“This alignment will create significant opportunities for both sides, with players, coaches and staff able to learn from different environments with different people, challenges and cultures.”
Harlequins chief executive Dave Ellis said “The All Blacks are the benchmark of excellence for all teams, so to be able to align with them both on and off the pitch will be of significant benefit to the club.”
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Daily Mail report that the club are likely to appoint their first Kiwi coach in 17 years after Zinzan Brooke’s stint ended in 2001.
Promotion from within is not an option for the club so they are looking elsewhere, with Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson emerging as a potential target.
Kingston’s release is another significant blow to England’s coaching ranks. Just three Englishmen are head coaches in the Aviva Premiership.
