Attack coach Nick Evans will leave Harlequins at the end of the current season, bringing to a close an 18-year association with the club.<\/p>\n
Evans arrived as a player from Super Rugby\u2019s Blues in 2008 and went on to score 2,249 points from 208 senior appearances \u2013 a club record. Prior to his arrival at Harlequins, he had been capped by the All Blacks 16 times and scored 103 international points.<\/p>\n
A statement released by the club reads: \u201cTransitioning into coaching in 2017, his impact in the role has matched his achievements as a player. As attack coach, he helped guide Harlequins to the 2021 Premiership title, with the club producing stunning victories over Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs in one of the most celebrated campaigns in the modern era. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe also played a pivotal role in the development of Marcus Smith<\/a> into an England international and British & Irish Lion, and in 2023 his reputation earned him a short-term appointment as England\u2019s attack coach for the Six Nations under Steve Borthwick.<\/p>\n \u201cA Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Nick Evans<\/a> departs as a league title winner at The Stoop twice over \u2013 as player and as coach.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking about his upcoming departure, Evans said: \u201cAfter 18 years of living and breathing this club, it\u2019s incredibly difficult to put into words what it means to myself and my family.<\/p>\n \u201cI leave feeling hugely grateful and honoured not only to have worn the shirt and represented those legends who came before us, but also to have shared that journey as a player and a coach with the incredible supporters who make this club so special.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will carry many amazing moments with us forever, but more than anything, it\u2019s the people that have truly made it. The players, staff and supporters have become like a second family to us.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve given everything I can to this club, and in return it has shaped me both professionally and personally in ways I will always value. I wish nothing but success for everyone connected to the club in the future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The departure comes at a particularly sorry time for Quins, who currently find themselves just one place above bottom spot.<\/p>\n Siya Kolisi returns for milestone appearance as Sharks forced into changes after unpunished incidents<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cA true Harlequin\u201d<\/p>\n Chief executive Laurie Dalrymple wanted to emphasise the importance of Evans\u2019 tenure, adding: \u201cNick\u2019s relationship with Quins has spanned nearly two decades, firstly as our record point scorer and then as a coach behind one of the most thrilling title-winning campaigns the PREM has ever seen.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is the only individual in club history to be a PREM champion as a player and a coach, and for this and many other reasons he will always be a significant part of the club\u2019s history. There can be no doubt of Nick\u2019s contribution on and off the field and we are immensely grateful for his commitment to this club across so many years. <\/p>\n \u201cNick remains focused on the remainder of the current season, and we will celebrate his remarkable association with Harlequins prior to his departure. We wish him and his family the very best in their next chapter come the end of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n Head coach Jason Gilmore said: \u201cIt has been great working alongside Nick for the past two seasons. He is a true Harlequin who has helped me understand the club. Nick has made a remarkable contribution to Quins<\/a> as a player and as a coach for the last eight years.<\/p>\n \u201cNick\u2019s achievements both on and off the field will leave a lasting legacy due to the quality of the man that he is, which has had a huge influence on the players in the squad.<\/p>\n \u201cWe wish Nick, Sally and the family all the very best for the next chapter and send our gratitude to Nick for everything he has done for the club.\u201d<\/p>\n