Harlequins fill Springboks coach’s void after Kevin Sinfield links
Harlequins have announced who will replace Jerry Flannery as the team's defence coach.
Premiership outfit Harlequins have found their replacement for Jerry Flannery, who joined the Springboks’ coaching staff earlier this year.
The former Ireland hooker linked up with the Springboks in February, leaving the Famous Quarters mid-season as he joined Rassie Erasmus’ coaching staff ahead of the international season.
The Londoners did not fill his void immediately, opting instead to spread his workload until the end of the 2023/24 campaign as they recruited his replacement.
New Harlequins defence coach
Following Flannery’s departure ex-England defence coach Kevin Sinfield was heavily linked with leading the Premiership side’s defence from next season.
Ex-Springboks assistant Felix Jones has since replaced Sinfield in Steve Borthwick’s coaching team, and despite repeatedly being linked with the Quins role, he will not join the team.
Instead, experienced Australian coach Jason Gilmore has been named as Harlequins‘ new men’s defence coach.
His arrival is subject to a visa and work permit approval, but Harlequins have confirmed his appointment.
The vastly experienced coach heads to the UK following head coach roles with Australia A, Australia U20s and the Barbarians.
He also served as an assistant coach and defence coach with the Waratahs and Queensland Reds.
He coached the Australian U20s between 2018 and 2020, leading the Junior Wallabies to a second-place finish at the 2019 World Cup U20 Championship.
“Jason is someone we have been really impressed with. He’s a hardnosed defence coach who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our coaching programme. We know he’ll adapt quickly to our environment and we’re confident he’ll bring significant improvements to our game,” Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard said.
Gilmore added: “I am excited to be joining Harlequins and thank the club for the opportunity. I understand the expectation and accountability of performance.
“I’m looking forward to working with the staff and playing group to continue to build a defensive identity at the club. Seeing the supporters and the matchday atmosphere last year at The Stoop with the Barbarians is something I can’t wait to experience with Quins.”
Gilmore is not the only coaching change at Harlequins ahead of next season with former head coach Tabai Matson returning to New Zealand.
Matson held the role of director of performance development last season, but the two parties mutually agreed to his departure.
