Jason Gilmore Appointed Harlequins Defence Coach

Harlequins have today confirmed the appointment of Jason Gilmore as Men’s Defence Coach.

The Australian, who has extensive coaching experience at club and international level, joins Quins this summer in preparation for the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season (subject to visa and work permit approval).

With an impressive coaching CV spanning more than 15 years, Gilmore arrives in the UK following Head Coach roles with Australia A, Australia U20 and the Barbarians, alongside Assistant Coach and Defence Coach roles with the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds.

Presiding over Australia U20 from 2018 to 2020, Gilmore led the Junior Wallabies to a second-place finish at the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship, alongside a historic win over New Zealand U20 winning the Oceania Championship. He also coached Australia A from 2022 to 2023, winning The Challenger Series and finishing second at The Pacific Nations Cup. Most recently he led the Barbarians to a successful 2023 tour of the UK with wins over Bristol Bears, Northampton Saints and Harlequins.

At club level, Gilmore was Head Coach of the Queensland Reds U20 from 2015 to 2016, winning the Super Rugby U20 title in 2016, before joining the Queensland Reds as Assistant Coach in 2017. He also enjoyed stints with the NSW Waratahs as an Assistant Coach and Defence Coach from 2020 to 2024.

Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “Jason is someone we have been really impressed with. He’s a hardnosed Defence Coach who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our coaching programme. We know he’ll adapt quickly to our environment and we’re confident he’ll bring significant improvements to our game."

Commenting on his appointment, Gilmore added: “I am excited to be joining Harlequins and thank the Club for the opportunity. I understand the expectation and accountability of performance. I’m looking forward to working with the staff and playing group to continue to build a defensive identity at the Club. Seeing the supporters and the matchday atmosphere last year at The Stoop with the Barbarians is something I can’t wait to experience with Quins.”