Mark Mapletoft has admitted his is relishing the challenge at Harlequins after agreeing to join the coaching staff at the Stoop.
England U20s coach to join Harlequins
Mark Mapletoft has admitted his is relishing the challenge at Harlequins after agreeing to join the coaching staff at the Stoop.
Mapletoft has spent the past three years working with the National Academy and the England Under-20s.
However he will now team up with director of rugby Conor O'Shea at Quins on July 1 - and Mapletoft can't wait to take up his new role.
Mapletoft said: "It has been a very tough decision to make but, after three very enjoyable years working as part of the elite department, I've decided to move on to fresh challenges at Harlequins and working with Conor.
"I'd like to thank Rob Andrew, Stuart Lancaster, Kevin Bowring, Nigel Redman and everyone associated with the National Academy and the England U20 set ups for all the help and encouragement they have given me.
"I have benefited hugely from the elite coach development programme run by Rob, Kevin and Nigel Redman, and I hope to take all the experience I have gained at the RFU to the challenging job at Quins."
Impact
Having coached Mapletoft during their time at London Irish and worked together at the RFU, O'Shea is looking forward to extending their relationship.
O' Shea said: "I have played against and coached Mark whilst at London Irish, and have also worked closely with him during my time at the RFU.
"I believe that Mark will complement our coaching team perfectly and really impact positively on the potential we have within our backline.
"I look forward to welcoming him to Harlequins but, in the meantime, wish him luck at the Junior World Championship in June and hope they go that final step after he has helped the side reach the last two finals."
