Kingston to succeed O’Shea at Harlequins

Harlequins have announced head coach John Kingston as the club’s new director of rugby.

Kingston, who has been with Quins since 2001, will succeed Conor O’Shea, who leaves The Stoop at the end of the season to take the Italy job.

Former British Lions prop Graham Rowntree joins as forwards coach, after eight years in the same role with England, while Quins’ veteran number eight Nick Easter will also become part of the staff.

Kingston said: “Taking the role of director of rugby is an exciting and well-timed new challenge for me.

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“Conor O’Shea will leave a lasting legacy on this club with the success we have achieved over the last six years and it is something I am excited to build on heading into our 150th year.

“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.”

Mark Mapletoft, who has spent six years as backs coach, will replace Kingston as head coach, while Collin Osborne continues as skills coach.