Harlequins coach departs club after 18 years

Evans first joined the club from Super Rugby side the Blues in 2008 and established himself as one of the most influential players in its history.

Across 208 senior appearances, he scored a record 2,249 points, surpassing Bob Hiller’s long-standing tally in 2013. By the time he retired from playing, he was also the highest-scoring overseas player in Premiership Rugby history.

His playing career at Harlequins was marked by major honours and decisive contributions. He scored 20 points in the club’s 2012 Premiership final victory over Leicester Tigers and played a crucial role in the 2011 Amlin Challenge Cup triumph, including a late touchline conversion against Stade Francais.

Prior to his move to London, Evans had earned 16 caps for the All Blacks, scoring 103 international points, and was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad.

After transitioning into coaching in 2017, Evans continued to shape the club’s success.

As Attack Coach, he helped guide Harlequins to the 2021 Premiership title, with notable comeback wins over Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs during a campaign widely regarded as one of the most memorable in the modern era.

He also played an important role in the development of Marcus Smith into an England international and British and Irish Lion. In 2023, Evans took on a short-term role with England as attack coach for the Six Nations under Steve Borthwick.

A Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Evans leaves Harlequins having won the league title both as a player and as a coach.

“After 18 years of living and breathing this Club, it’s incredibly difficult to put into words what it means to myself and my family,” said Evans.

“I leave feeling hugely grateful and honoured not only to have worn the shirt and represented those legends who came before us, but also to have shared that journey as a player and a coach with the incredible supporters who make this Club so special.

“We will carry many amazing moments with us forever, but more than anything, it’s the people that have truly made it. The players, staff and supporters have become like a second family to us.

“I’ve given everything I can to this Club, and in return it has shaped me both professionally and personally in ways I will always value. I wish nothing but success for everyone connected to the club in the future.”

Chief Executive Laurie Dalrymple highlighted Evans’ long-standing contribution to the club, both on the field and within the coaching setup.

“Nick’s relationship with Quins has spanned nearly two decades, firstly as our record point scorer and then as a coach behind one of the most thrilling title-winning campaigns the PREM has ever seen.

“He is the only individual in Club history to be a PREM champion as a player and a coach, and for this and many other reasons he will always be a significant part of the Club’s history.

"There can be no doubt of Nick’s contribution on and off the field and we are immensely grateful for his commitment to this Club across so many years.

“Nick remains focused on the remainder of the current season, and we will celebrate his remarkable association with Harlequins prior to his departure. We wish him and his family the very best in their next chapter come the end of the season.”

Head Coach Jason Gilmore also paid tribute to Evans’ influence during his time at the club.

“It has been great working alongside Nick for the past two seasons. He is a true Harlequin who has helped me understand the Club. Nick has made a remarkable contribution to Quins as a player, and then as a coach for the last eight years.

“Nick’s achievements both on and off the field will leave a lasting legacy due to the quality of the man that he is, which has had a huge influence on the players in the squad.

“We wish Nick, Sally and the family all the very best for the next chapter and send our gratitude to Nick for everything he has done for the Club.”