Wilson to leave Harlequins for Wales role

Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson is to leave the club for a role with Wales.

Wilson, 49, worked as Wales’ forward coach during their summer tour to Japan but is now taking a permanent job as assistant coach.

He will lead Quinsfor the final time in Friday night’s PREM Rugby Cup match away to Newcastle Red Bulls.

Wilson said: “This has been a really tough decision for me to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Quins, but the chance to join Wales and return to international rugby was simply too good an opportunity to turn down.

“There have been some incredible moments while I have been at Quins, and as always, some that have been more challenging.

“But the run into the 2023/24 Champions Cup semi-final with memorable victories over Racing 92, Glasgow Warriors and Bordeaux alongside our victory over Saracens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season will stay with me for a long time.

“I am also hugely proud of the work we’ve undertaken in the last two seasons to blood the next generation of Quins players, and I know this will stand the club in good stead for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the players, Board, staff and fans for all their support during my time at Quins.”

Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple said: “Whilst we recognise that we are close to start of the new Gallagher PREM campaign, we are confident in our coaching team’s ability to step up and deliver, and we are excited to kick off our PREM season.

“Things with the WRU have moved quickly but we have been keen to support this move for Danny, which allows him to return to coaching at international level and also supports him from a personal perspective. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution to Quins.

“For us, the focus is now on Friday night’s PREM Cup game at Newcastle, our home PREM Cup fixture against Leicester Tigers that follows a week later and then, on September 26th for our first Gallagher PREM fixture at home against Bath, where we are expecting a sell-out crowd to watch us take on the current Champions at The Stoop.”