Harlequins have named current head coach John Kingston as the successor to Conor O’Shea, and he is looking forward to the challenge.
O’Shea ends a six-year association with Quins as director of rugby at the end of this season to become head coach of the Italian national squad.
Kingston will take over in the summer, and he will be joined by Mark Mapletoft as head coach and Graham Rowntree as forwards coach.
Collin Osborne will continue as skills coach and number eight Nick Easter will join the coaching team in charge of defence as he makes the transition from player to coach.
There is also a change in the academy set-up with Tony Diprose being promoted to academy and global development director.
Kingston said: “I’m immensely proud of what I have achieved in the last eight years as head coach and taking the role of director of rugby is an exciting and well-timed new challenge for me.
“Conor O’Shea will leave a lasting legacy on this club with the success we have achieved over the past six years and it is something I am excited to build on heading into our 150th year.
“He has made a massive impression on me, the squad, staff and supporters and we know he will be greatly missed by the whole club.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to getting the best out of a great group of players and a wonderfully exciting new coaching group during the next era for Harlequins.”
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