Harlequins confirm Long and Turner-Hall in coaching overhaul ahead of 2026/27 season

Harlequins have confirmed two new additions to their coaching staff for the 2026/27 season, with Jordan Turner-Hall stepping up to defence and transition coach and Sean Long moving into a full-time skills and transition role at The Stoop.

Turner-Hall’s appointment extends a 24-year association with the club. The former Quins academy graduate made 181 appearances during his playing career, earned two England caps, and was part of the squads that won the Challenge Cup in 2011 and the Premiership title in 2012. Since retiring in 2015, the 37-year-old has remained at the club in various academy coaching capacities before earning this senior promotion.

Long brings a trophy-laden rugby league pedigree to the role. The former Great Britain scrum-half won four Super League titles and five Challenge Cups with St Helens during his playing career. He had a previous stint on the Harlequins staff in the 2019/20 season and has held a consultancy role over the past year, making the step up to full-time a natural progression.

Head coach Jason Gilmore welcomed both appointments. “Jordan will be an important cog in our coaching team working on the defensive side of the ball,” he said. “Jordan’s DNA with the club as a Premiership winner and now as a coach will play a crucial role in connecting our playing group.”

On Long, Gilmore added: “Sean’s attention to detail and ability to identify positives and a critical fix immediately in a training session or game is second to none. A multiple title-winner with St Helens and representing Great Britain, Sean like Jordan has lived and breathed winning at the highest level.”

Turner-Hall described the moment as the start of a new chapter for the club. “Going into next season it feels like a bit of rebirth with the youngsters we have coming through,” he said. “Jason has shown real faith in the younger players across all competitions.”

The two appointments are the latest pieces of Gilmore’s rebuilt coaching structure, though Harlequins are still expected to announce an attack coach to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Nick Evans.