Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston is to leave the club at the end of the season by mutual consent.
The will now embark on a global search in their quest for a replacement
Here, RUCK looks at six possible candidates who could be in the frame to replace him.
1. DEAN RICHARDS
Richards has restored his reputation as one of the top Directors of Rugby in England since taking over at the Falcons. There is also the question of whether Richards would consider leaving Newcastle, who he has transformed into genuine Top 6 contenders in the last 12 months.
2. STUART LANCASTER
Following England’s Rugby World Cup failure, Lancaster has begun to re-establish himself as a top coach since joining Leinster. Lancaster seemed to be in the running for any and every job in both hemispheres before the Irish side offered him the role as senior coach. His philosophy and work ethic may match up well with a historic club like Quins.
3. JIM MALLINDER
Former Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder is free and available after being sacked by Saints earlier this season. Her took over at Franklin’s Gardens in 2007 following spells as head coach with both the Sharks and England Saxons. He won the Premiership in 2014, twice guided Saints to the European Challenge Cup, in 2009 and 2014, as well as the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2010. Mallinder was the longest-serving boss in the Premiership prior to his dismissal.
4. MIKE FORD
Ex-Bath boss Ford also had a lengthy spell as England defence coach, in addition to heading up the coaching team at French heavyweights Toulon. He is currently coaching in the United States but may be attracted back by the Quins post.
5. JAKE WHITE
South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning boss pretty much finds himself linked with every top job that becomes available. His pedigree is an outstanding one, and it would be no surprise if he featured prominently in Quins thoughts.
6. HEYNEKE MEYER
Unemployed since leading South Africa to a third-placed finish at the 2015 World Cup, Heyneke Meyer has been linked with a number of positions in recent months. Meyer was previously employed by the Tigers but was forced to step down as head coach soon after his appointment in 2008 due to family reasons. He, therefore, may look at the Premiership as unfinished business truck