Rowntree reveals why he's leaving 'Quins as coaching shake-up continues

Harlequins forwards coach Graham Rowntree is leaving the club after two seasons.

The former England and British and Irish Lions forwards coach has cited “personal reasons” for his departure.

It comes just two days after Billy Millard was announced as the club’s General Manager (Rugby) and a few weeks after Paul Gustard was appointed as Head of Rugby, as Quins decided to split the Director of Rugby role in two following the sacking of John Kingston.

Gustard’s focus is on the senior squad, while Millard as the General Manager takes responsibility for enabling high-performance across the club’s entire rugby department.

Both Millard and Gustard will take over at the club on July 2nd and it’s unknown whether their appointments has had a direct impact on Rowntree.

In a statement Harlequins said “Graham Rowntree has chosen to leave the Club for personal reasons.”

“Rowntree has been forwards coach at Harlequins for the past two seasons and he has been a very prominent and popular figure in the rugby department.

“Harlequins would like to thank Graham for his great contribution and absolute commitment during his time at the Club.

“The Club is incredibly grateful to Graham for all that he has given Harlequins and wishes him well for the future.”

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Millard appointment, which was announced on Tuesday makes him responsible for all aspects of off-field rugby operations at the club including strength and conditioning, medical, data analysis, psychology, sports science, recruitment, Academy and women’s team, player welfare, budgeting and operations.

The 48-year-old Australian has previously worked as General Manager with USA Rugby and Cardiff Blues and held senior coaching roles at elite level with the Australian Sevens, The University of Sydney, Melbourne Rebels, Connacht and Cardiff.

“It is a privilege to be joining a club with such a strong pedigree. Harlequins is a prestigious brand on and off the field which I’m looking forward to contributing to. ” Millard said at the time of his appointment

“I’m committed to delivering a high-performance environment for the players that translates into sustained on-field success. I am here to win and I look forward to helping make that happen.”