Harlequins coaching target confirms next move

The former England international has been instrumental in Chinnor’s progress over the past two campaigns, helping guide the side through their debut season and into an even stronger second year.

With a handful of fixtures still to play, the club is on course to surpass last season’s finish, with a top-six placing firmly in sight.

Easter’s decision to remain comes despite reported interest from Harlequins, where he enjoyed a distinguished playing career. The announcement will come as a welcome relief to supporters, reinforcing stability at a time of clear upward momentum.

A former Number 8, Easter’s playing career saw him represent Orrell before making his name at Harlequins.

He went on to earn international honours with England, featuring in three Rugby World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2015) and multiple Six Nations campaigns before retiring in 2016 at the age of 38.

Off the pitch, Chinnor are also preparing to unveil significant developments, with the board hinting at major improvements to club infrastructure, changes they believe could be among the most impactful seen in the Champ in decades.

The club’s ambitions extend beyond first-team success. While remaining proudly semi-professional, relying on players with careers outside rugby and a dedicated volunteer base, Chinnor are focused on broadening their reach.

Plans include growing attendances, increasing sponsorship, and strengthening their identity as both a competitive side and a community-driven organisation.

Their expanding outreach programmes continue to support underprivileged children and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while the club remains committed to its amateur game.

With five senior sides, including a women’s team, more than 600 minis and juniors, and a newly established development pathway, Chinnor are building for long-term sustainability.

The board expressed satisfaction that Easter shares this vision, describing him as a key figure in their journey to becoming a high-performing Champ club while maintaining strong grassroots foundations.

Easter said he was delighted to continue at the club, citing both the people and the shared ambition as decisive factors.

“I’m delighted to be signing on at Chinnor and continuing to be part of a great club and its journey,” he said.

“There were other exciting opportunities on offer, but ultimately it came down to the people. At Chinnor, they are some of the best I’ve worked with in rugby. They make me feel valued and trusted in what I do.

“Alongside this, the club have real ambition, which is vital. That’s something that has shone through both on and off the field as we continue to grow sustainably in a hotbed of rugby.”