Harlequins bring in Toby Booth as assistant coach

Colin Newboult

Harlequins have announced that Toby Booth will join the club as an assistant coach, supporting head of rugby Paul Gustard for the rest of the 2019/20 season.

Booth served as first team coach at Bath from 2012 until June 2019 and throughout his career has supported the development of over 20 international players, from academy upwards.

Prior to joining Bath, Booth held senior coaching roles at London Irish. He joined the Exiles in 2004 before taking on the director of rugby job from 2008-2012. In his 15-year coaching career, Booth has been involved in two European Challenge Cup finals and two Premiership finals.

The 49-year-old will also be reunited with Chris Robshaw, having coached the Harlequins captain in the England Saxons side which won the Churchill Cup in 2008, with Ugo Monye, Tom Guest and Will Skinner also in the squad.

Billy Millard, general manager of rugby at Harlequins said: “We have been looking to add to our coaching staff and Toby provides the skills and experience we have been searching for. He has extensive experience in the Premiership as a head coach and assistant coach covering most areas of the game and will offer invaluable support, knowledge and experience.”

On joining Quins, Toby Booth said: “When the opportunity came up to join Harlequins, it was an exciting prospect that I knew I had to take. Harlequins is one of the iconic teams in club rugby, and a side I know well having competed against them on many occasions over the years.

“Quins is 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.”

Head of rugby 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.

“His main remit will be our lineout, but I know he will also have 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.”