Harlequins boss Kingston to leave club

Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston is to leave the club at the end of the season by mutual consent.

The 47-year-old was promoted to the role from head coach in April 2016 after Conor O’Shea left Quins to take over as Italy coach.

Kingston led them to sixth place in the Premiership table and qualification for the European Champions Cup during his first season at the helm.

However, a poor run of results this season has seen them win just seven Premiership matches out of 19 and they are currently ninth with just three games to play.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I will be leaving Harlequins at the end of this season,” Kingston said.

“I have been at Harlequins for 17 years in differing roles and have grown to love the club almost as if it were part of my family.

“The obstacles this season have been well-documented, and no one has been more disappointed by our results than me.

“In my opinion, this is the strongest squad ever assembled in all my time at Harlequins, and this leaves the club in a sound position to go forward.

“Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see the squad achieve in the near future what I deeply believe it can – winning trophies.”