Quins director of rugby Millard to leave club
Billy Millard joined Harlequins in 2018 and led the club to their second Premiership title in 2020-21
- Published
Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard has announced he will leave the club this summer after seven years.
The 55-year-old Australian joined the Twickenham-based club in 2018 as general manager and led them to their second Premiership title in 2020-21.
Millard became director of performance in 2021 before taking on his current role in 2023.
"This decision is not one that's been made lightly, but I am in a position to take on a new challenge in my rugby career, whilst spending time on a family project," he told the club's website., external
Harlequins beat Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham to win the Premiership title in 2021
Millard has overseen the men's and women's teams during his time in charge. Both winning their respective league titles in 2021.
The men's team reached the European Champions Cup semi-finals for the first time last season, losing to eventual winners Toulouse.
Quins are currently fourth in the Premiership table with six games of the season remaining.
"My time at Harlequins has been nothing short of amazing," added Millard. "I cannot thank the board, staff, players, and supporters enough for creating so many memories and friendships for my family and myself.
"I will continue to support everyone at the club and drive all areas forward until the end of the season."
'A consistent cog in a coaching carousel' - analysis
BBC Sport rugby union reporter Mike Henson:
Billy Millard had been a consistent cog in a Harlequins coaching carousel and his partnership with defence coach and fellow Australian Jason Gilmore seemed to be bearing fruit this season.
Quins pushed into the top four and closed in on a first post-season play-off appearance since 2022 as they beat Saracens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
However, he has been on a long list of names linked with the director of rugby role at the Welsh Rugby Union and it might be that a role away from the day-to-day demands of club rugby has its appeal.
As head of a coaching cooperative which oversaw Quins' sensational, stylish title win in 2021, in the wake of Paul Gustard's departure, he will always be guaranteed a warm welcome at The Stoop.