Easter: I learned more in adversity with Quins than if we were on hot form

By Neale Harvey
Nick Easter insists the disappointment of being axed by Harlequins has failed to dent his confidence or desire to make a success of his coaching career.
Former England No.8 Easter, who left his defence role at Quins last month along with erstwhile colleagues John Kingston, Graham Rowntree and Collin Osborne, is back at the coaching helm after agreeing a short-term deal with Durban-based Sharks in South Africa‘s prestigious Currie Cup.
Easter, 39, told TRP: “I’m running the attacking and defensive breakdowns and helping with lineout and defence, so they’re getting full use of me.
“I came here and did a week’s professional development in June and then after leaving Quins I had a bit of time off to consider my next step, so I got back in contact with the Sharks’ head coach, Robert du Preez, and they’ve just welcomed me with open arms.
“Not many Northern Hemisphere coaches go south but it’s an opportunity to experience a different style of rugby with a hospitable group of guys. They’re very ambitious and it’s nice to be involved in a side which wants to achieve a bit of success.”
Far from being disillusioned by the experience of his first senior coaching role at Quins, which saw the Londoners finish tenth last season, Easter said: “I loved coaching Quins and learned more in adversity than if we’d been going well.
“I didn’t just learn about coaching but how an environment should be run – what works, what doesn’t work – because sometimes if you get into the top four and find you are flying, you can ignore the things that might cause troubled times down the track.
“For that to happen very early on in my coaching career was invaluable and from a personal point of view I think leaving was probably best for me. Quins will benefit from a new voice and I’ll get to widen my experience down here or wherever.
“I’d been at the club for 15 years and it’s the same people you’re dealing with, in the same building, and as much as I love Harlequins and gave my all at all times, it’s actually going to stand me in better stead to get out of that bubble.
“I’m just here until October for the Currie Cup at the moment and then we’ll see what happens after that. I’ll be looking at all the coaching opportunities and the bigger picture.”

Meanwhile, Easter believes two of his former Quins proteges, James Chisholm and Jack Clifford, can force their way into England’s back row selection picture, which he believes is wide open.
Easter said: “People like to nail their colours to the mast early in terms of the England squad and what the starting team will be, but a lot can change quickly, especially with the way results have been.
“I made my England debut in February 2007 and started a World Cup final later that year, so James Chisholm is one I’m keeping a close eye on because he’s had an outstanding last two years when fit.
“There’s no reason why he can’t force his way into view and there are real opportunities for Jack Clifford, too, because I don’t think England are close to sorting out their back row.”
Having enjoyed a close-up look at South Africa’s recent progress under new boss Rassie Erasmus, Easter believes they are building strongly towards being a World Cup threat.
He added: “It’s going to be very challenging for England. South Africa  are turning things around,  France and Australia are staging a fight back, and New Zealand and Ireland look like World Cup prospects, whereas England are struggling a bit and there’s a lot of work to do.”