Jordan Turner-Hall rejoins Harlequins as coach

David Skippers

Jordan Turner-Hall, Harlequins

Harlequins have announced that Premiership-winning centre Jordan Turner-Hall has returned to the Londoners as an academy coach.

After retiring from his playing career in 2015, the former England centre rejoins the Quins fold having spent the last year as Head of Rugby at Ipswich School.

The promising young coach has also spent time working with the Northampton Saints academy, Westcliff RFC, Wimbledon RFC, Hurstpierpoint College and Rosslyn Park.

The 32-year-old also spent time with The Harlequins Foundation and METTLE programme (mental resilience) shortly after hanging up his playing boots five years ago.

Turner-Hall amassed 181 appearances in the Quarters during an 11-year playing career, lifting the 2011 Challenge Cup and 2012 Premiership titles alongside current players such as club captain Chris Robshaw, Danny Care, Mike Brown and Joe Marler.

On Turner-Hall’s return to the club, head of rugby Paul Gustard said: “It’s fantastic news to have Jordy returning to the club as he takes the next step and progresses in his coaching journey.

“As a player Jordan was a physical, uncompromising centre who gave everything to the Quarters, and I have no doubt that he will bring the same level of commitment, energy and passion to his new role within our academy setup.

“During the interview process he was articulate, energetic and clearly emotionally attached to the club. He showed a great depth of knowledge and acumen, but it was also clear he is very driven to add more skills to his coaching toolbox. It is important in players’ formative playing years they have good role models and people that genuinely care.

“First and foremost Jordan a great guy and I am excited for him, for the club and for the journey we are embarking on. Welcome home, Jordan. We look forward to the adventure!”

Turner-Hall said: “It’s an exciting time to be involved with the academy, with the salary cap and the emphasis on homegrown players. It’s nice to come back to such a special place having been away from it for a few years. It’s made me hungrier and more determined to succeed as a coach.

“I felt like the timing was perfect for a new challenge and I believe I’m ready to add value to the club within the academy.

“It’s a new chapter for me as a coach and I’m excited to learn and develop in a great environment. There’s a great buzz around the dynamic coaching team Gussy has put together so I’m looking forward to learning off them as well.

“With this new role, for me, it’s all about building relationships and knowing the person before the player. Once I can do that with the young lads I believe I can understand what makes them tick and hopefully I can support them in reaching their goals and dreams both on and off the pitch.

“I’m looking forward to working with some of the most talented boys in the country and if I can bottle up my experience and passion for the Club and hand it on to them along the way, then even better.”