Toby Booth joins Harlequins

Toby Booth has joined Harlequins for the remainder of this season three weeks after the Londoners left go forwards coach Alex Codling. 

Harlequins, who have started the season shakily with just one win in four in the Premiership and a huge loss at Clermont in Europe, have snapped up Booth who has been at a loose end since leaving Bath last summer after being with them since 2012.

Prior to Bath, he has senior roles at London Irish whom he joined in 2004 and worked with for eight years.  

“When the opportunity came up to join Harlequins, it was an exciting prospect that I knew I had to take,” explained 49-year-old Booth, whose recruitment comes ahead of this weekend’s European fixture against his old club Bath.   

“Harlequins are one of the iconic teams in club rugby and a side I know well having competed against them on many occasions over the years.

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“Quins are a side full of rich talent and international experience. The pack contains some exciting players. It is an ambitious group and has good potential to improve. Having developed players throughout my career I look forward to adding value to this squad of players and developing their performances on the pitch.”

Harlequins boss Paul Gustard added: “I have known Toby personally for a long time and he is a coach who will add tremendous value to our whole group. He has a successful record of developing players and teams and we cannot wait for him to start. 

Just two games into the new Gallagher Premiership season and Harlequins have already made a change with assistant Alex Codling departinghttps://t.co/FVtLISXdzH

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“His main remit will be our lineout, but I know he will also have a significant impact on the wider programme and will prove to be an outstanding resource for not only myself but our young and talented coaching group. 

“He is a great guy with good values and someone who had a big impact on my personal coaching pedagogy early in my career. His signing is a great boost for the club and we look forward to seeing the impact he will quickly make.”

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