Former England international backs 'underwhelming' Harlequins decision
Harlequins fans have had to endure a lot this season, as they have suffered several heavy defeats and off-field uncertainty while also not experiencing the joy of victory on a consistent basis.
The London club currently sits ninth in the PREM, winning only two of their matches in the division and having a -162 points difference at the time of writing.
Quins are set to travel to Bristol Bears next in the PREM, and things are not expected to get better anytime soon for them in the competition.
However, there may be a chance to salvage their season with the Champions Cup, as they are set to host Sale Sharks in the next round of the competition after they secured progression after a famous victory over La Rochelle in France during the pool stage.
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This performance and victory will have certainly helped strengthen the case within the club to give the head coach role to interim boss Jason Gilmore; however, this decision was not met with much excitement.
Despite this, Harlequins legend and former British and Irish Lion, Ugo Monye, has thrown his support behind this decision along with the appointments of Rob Hunter as forwards coach and Robbie Deans as performance director.
He said: “I think any successful sporting side has become successful through a level of continuity. And we've got new faces coming in, with Rob Hunter and Robbie Deans, but having someone in the building that's been in the building and understands the players, the culture, the fans, and the system – he is someone who, by all accounts, has been a great conduit for the academy as well as the first team, and the pipeline of talent that Harlequins has – it's we need to see a better conveyor belt of being able to afford opportunities for these guys to come through.
“But the reaction to the appointments has probably been underwhelming online from a lot of the fans, if you listen to that opinion.”
Monye was part of Quins’ first Premiership-winning side in 2012 and is fondly remembered by the fans; however, being a fan himself, he understands the frustration of other supporters with the decision.
The former England international wants to see his club back competing at the top of the PREM and adding to their previous two titles.
He said: “Harlequins, who are ninth in the league, in a 10-team league, have played 11 games, only won two, and are wanting to see a turnaround very, very quickly. So, I hope for Harlequins' sake, for the fans' and the players' sake, that the coaching appointment is a positive one. I still think there's a lack of clarity around some of the other coaches still because they've only announced three and haven't fully answered all of those questions.
“But I guess we'll wait and see.”
Ugo Monye was speaking to Sportbible for the Same Side campaign. Ugo is one of many sports stars using the power of sport to reshape the conversation about what it means to be a man. Find out more: http://allonthesameside.org/
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan