NRL title-winner Corey Bocking joins Harlequins to lead new athlete health role

Harlequins have appointed Corey Bocking as their new Head of Athlete Health and Development, a newly created role that brings the club’s athletic performance and medical departments under unified leadership for the 2026/27 season.

Bocking arrives in English rugby from Australian rugby league, most recently with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Before that, he spent four seasons at the Penrith Panthers during their dominant run of three consecutive NRL Premiership titles — an era that Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple cited as central to the appointment.

“From the moment we spoke with Corey, it was clear he understood exactly how to deliver a world-class performance programme,” Dalrymple said. “That experience of what an elite, title-winning performance environment demands is exactly what we need, as we look to take our programme to the next level. We’ve been thorough in this process, and we believe Corey is the right person to lead our performance team in this newly created role.”

Bocking, who has worked across multiple sports at the highest level, said he had followed Harlequins closely from Australia before making the move to The Stoop.

“I am really excited to be joining Harlequins — a club with so much respect and history,” he said. “I have followed the competition and club from Australia for a number of years and I am looking forward to working with the staff and players to build a successful and sustainable high-performance programme and culture. The club has a talented group of established international players and young players coming through the system that I am looking forward to working with.”

Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore, who has prior experience working with Bocking, backed the appointment strongly. “Having worked with Corey, I have no doubt he will lead our programme with outstanding knowledge, energy and commitment,” Gilmore said. “His ability to connect with players and drive a focus on their individual development is going to be a critical step in advancing our playing group.”

The newly structured role signals Harlequins’ intent to consolidate their performance infrastructure as they prepare for the season ahead.