Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard leaves club with immediate effect
Paul Gustard left Harlequins as head of rugby on Wednesday following a damning internal review, Telegraph Sport has learnt.
In a statement, the club that it had been "mutually agreed" for Gustard to leave with immediate effect “to enable him to pursue other opportunities” which is believed to relate to the vacant role of Wales defence coach. However, Telegraph Sport understands that Gustard was pushed rather than jumped after a run of two victories from eight games this season.
That poor form has led to significant unrest in the dressing room while the divisions are thought to extend to the coaching staff. A number of high-profile players, including fly half Marcus Smith and full back Mike Brown, had been linked with moves away from the club.
An internal review which was focused on the club’s long-term ethos and vision drew Gustard in an unflattering light with the club’s playing staff informed of his departure on Wednesday lunchtime. Billy Millard, the general manager, will now take charge for the rest of the season.
Although the club claim to be in no rush to appoint a permanent successor, although they have been previously been linked with Scott Robertson, the all-conquering Crusaders coach who was passed over for the All Blacks job. Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster has also burnished his reputation at Leinster.
In a statement, Harlequins said: “The club thanks Paul for his tireless energy and commitment over the last two and a half years. 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."
Millard will be assisted for the rest of the season by Jerry Flannery, Nick Evans and Adam Jones. Millard was previously head coach of the Melbourne Rebels and 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.
“We make too many simple errors and are the architects of our own downfall. It’s the same thing happening week on week. The team is hurting and are upset though," Gustard said at the time.
Gustard becomes the third Harlequins coaching change in less than five years, following the departures of Conor O'Shea and John Kingston. The club have not won the Premiership since their success under O'Shea back in 2012.
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of Argentina hooker Julian Montoya on a multi-year contract.
