Harlequins still keen on Kevin Sinfield as Tabai Matson heads for summer exit

Tabai Matson will leave Harlequins this summer amid several coaching tweaks at The Stoop.

The former Fiji and Bath coach joined Quins in a senior role in 2021, switching to director of development last year.

The 50-year-old will switch immediately to supporting Harlequins Women, before leaving The Stoop this summer.

While Matson will not be replaced directly, Quins are still examining how best to replace Jerry Flannery, who left last month to join South Africa as defence coach.

The west Londoners need a new defence specialist, and are thought to retain continued interest in recruiting Kevin Sinfield.

Rugby League great Sinfield will leave the England set-up after the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand, and has already been clear about his desire to take up another coaching role.

The 43-year-old’s experiences with both Leicester Tigers and now England have Quins highly interested in adding his services to their coaching ranks.

Sinfield is not thought to have been in any rush to make big decisions on his long-term plans though, especially with one more England tour on the horizon.

Rugby director Billy Millard and head coach Danny Wilson are battling to add a stronger spine to Quins’ famed attacking brand.

“Tabai has brought huge knowledge and passion to his roles at Harlequins,” said Millard. “He has infectious energy and positivity and he has built friendships and collaboration across the club and our partners.

“We are really happy that Tabai will continue to support our women’s programme until the end of the season, and we wish him the very best for his longer-term future coaching career. He will always be a welcome friend at The Stoop.”

Matson’s warmth, openness and belief in a positive rugby brand have found huge favour at Quins, and senior players have been left surprised and saddened by his impending exit.

“I have loved my time at Harlequins and have enjoyed the strong culture at the club which is something I feel is crucially important to the success of a club,” said Matson.

“The time is right for me to look to develop my coaching career elsewhere, but I will always retain my passion for Harlequins.

“I am excited to support the women’s team across the coming months and push up the table.”