Harlequins conclude head coach search, set to appoint current coach

Gilmore initially joined the club as men’s defence coach in the summer of 2024 before stepping into a senior coaching role a year later following Wilson’s departure.

After months of deliberation, Quins now appear ready to place their faith in a candidate already embedded within the setup.

The club explored a number of high-profile options during their search. Daily Mail Sport reports that New Zealand heavyweights such as Scott Robertson, Warren Gatland and Joe Schmidt were approached.

However, they say that Harlequins’ standing in New Zealand is understood to have been affected by the contentious exit of Tabai Matson in 2024.

Club executives also held informal discussions with former players and staff, including Nick Easter and Mark Mapletoft, while assessing candidates currently working elsewhere, such as Nick Kennedy at Saracens.

They were also beaten to the appointment of Chris Boyd, who instead opted to join Gloucester.

Ultimately, the search has circled back to Gilmore, who impressed after stepping in on an interim basis when Wilson exited last summer. He is now the frontrunner to take the role permanently.

Looking ahead, Rob Hunter is expected to join as forwards coach, while Robbie Deans will provide support in a remote consultancy capacity after years working in Japan.

Meanwhile, Toby Booth is set to leave at the end of the season, with Nick Evans also likely to depart as part of wider backroom changes.

Despite the restructuring, the direction of travel may leave supporters divided. Harlequins have struggled for consistency since their Premiership triumph in 2021, cycling through coaching staff in recent seasons.

Appointing Gilmore would at least offer some stability, but it may fall short of the marquee appointment many fans had hoped for.