Harlequins appoint Toby Booth as assistant coach to Paul Gustard

Harlequins director of rugby Paul Gustard has added Toby Booth to his backroom staff for the remainder of the season.

Booth left Bath in the summer as part of a restructure to the club's coaching department, having served as first team coach at The Rec for seven years.

Now working as one of the assistant coaches to Gustard, Booth said he was ready to get to work with a Harlequins squad ‘rich' in talent.

“When the opportunity came up to join Harlequins, it was an exciting prospect that I knew I had to take,” Booth, 49, said.

“Harlequins is one of the iconic teams in club rugby, and a side I know well having competed against them on many occasions over the years.

“Quins is a side full of rich talent and international experience. The pack contains some exciting players. It is an ambitious group and has good potential to improve. Having developed players throughout my career I look forward to adding value to this squad of players and developing their performances on the pitch.”

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His addition continues the reshuffle to Harlequins' backroom staff which Gustard has been ruthless to assert his stamp on, by bringing in Adam Jones, Sean Long and new academy manager Chim Gale and letting go of Graham Rowntree and Nick Easter.

And Gustard revealed Booth's attention will be focussed on the team's lineout, while also having a broader role stretching to all Harlequins teams.

“I have known Toby personally for a long time, and he is a coach who will add tremendous value to our whole group.

“He has a successful record of developing players and teams and we cannot wait for him to start.

“His main remit will be our lineout, but I know he will also have significant impact on the wider programme and will prove to be an outstanding resource for not only myself, but our young and talented coaching group.

“He is a great guy with good values and someone who had a big impact on my personal coaching pedagogy early in my career.

“His signing is a great boost for the club and we look forward to seeing the impact he will quickly make,” Gustard said.

After their 53-21 defeat in Round One of the Champions Cup away at Clermont, Quins host Bath at The Stoop this Saturday.