Harlequins keen on hiring departing All Blacks coach Scott Robertson

Sometimes patience pays off. Almost four months to the day since Danny Wilson departed and Harlequins began a critical recruitment process for their next permanent head coach, an exceptional candidate has come onto the market.

It is understood that no dialogue has been opened yet, just hours after Scott Robertson left his post with the All Blacks, but senior sources at the London club are known to be big admirers and are keen to make contact. They will not be alone, of course.

Despite the abrupt nature of his exit, and a tenure that bears the scar of a record defeat by South Africa as well as player unrest, Robertson is bound to have suitors around the world. He may wish to maintain the staccato rhythms of international coaching or explore consultancy.

Alternatively, the club scene would be rich with opportunities. Japanese gigs for a figure such as Robertson are ultra-lucrative. He has played in France, with Perpignan, as well as in Scotland and Ireland. Travel is unlikely to faze him, and leaving the gold fish bowl of New Zealand must feel very tempting. Newcastle Red Bulls possess obvious financial clout and the allure of a blank-ish canvas.

The project at Harlequins has several strands. Laurie Dalrymple, the chief executive, acknowledges that a churn of head coaches has contributed to underperformance. He also admitted, with impressive honesty, that the club is not bringing promising youngsters through the academy into the senior side regularly enough.

There is a need for a strong figurehead capable of instilling a firm tactical identity and aligning pathway structures. Is the relationship with London Scottish in the second tier delivering enough, for instance?

Dalrymple knows that he must get this appointment right. Various names have been floated. Jason Gilmore, currently keeping the seat warm, is an engaging speaker with a strong CV. There were undoubted signs of improvement last weekend, even if the Stormers were terrible.

Dave Rennie would bring serious pedigree. Steve Diamond and Nick Easter formed a double-act at Worcester Warriors and could be a hard-nosed option. The former prides himself on establishing youth production lines, with the latter an illustrious ex-Harlequin.

John Dobson has just extended terms at the Stormers but Harvey Biljon, guiding Rotherham up the pyramid having won the Championship with Jersey, might be a left-field candidate. Ronan O’Gara is reportedly in negotiations at La Rochelle.

Robertson is a star name that would delight supporters, which is important because plenty of those are frustrated. His laid-back demeanour and celebration of choice – breakdancing – fits with the Harlequins brand. But his title-winning Crusaders teams were tough as well as clinical with the ball. Jason Ryan, his forwards guru, was a major protagonist.

Harlequins would want to have complementary backroom lieutenants around Robertson. In return, Robertson would aid their recruitment with his contacts book and knowledge. Signings have started quietly well for 2026-27 with the additions of James Dun from Bristol Bears as well as the mooted arrival of George Furbank. Retention, a thorny issue with fans, should be boosted as well.

Joining a club with a rich catchment area and a high ceiling, which sells out the vast majority of its home fixtures, will be an attractive prospect for Robertson as well. Once he is ready, Harlequins have a fascinating opportunity.