Source: Harlequins

Gerard Mullen to join Harlequins Women as new Head Coach

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Gerard Mullen to join Harlequins Women as new Head Coach ahead of 2020/21 Premier15s season

Joining from Loughborough University having held the role of Head Coach with the Loughborough Students side for the last four seasons, Mullen steps into his new role following a coaching restructure within the Women’s Programme earlier this summer, with Karen Findlay will taking up the role of Forwards Coach alongside her impressive career as Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police.

Originating from Co. Kildare, Ireland, having moved to the UK as an 18-year-old to study Sports Coaching Science at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham close to The Stoop, Mullen retired from a playing career that saw the Irishman represent Esher, London Scottish and London Welsh at the age of 23 due to injuries.

Mullen then moved onto Loughborough University, renowned for its prestigious high-performance sports environment to study a Masters degree in Sports Management. Mullen progressed through the Loughborough Students’ coaching system, taking up the lead coaching position of the University’s development team in 2014 alongside his position as Head Coach at Lichfield RFC in National League 3 before going on to become the Head Coach of the Loughborough Student’s programme in 2017.

During his time leading the Students team, Mullen coached a host of now regular Gallagher Premiership names, including the likes of Saracens wing Rotimi Segun, Worcester Warriors hooker Issac Miller and Wasps lock Thibaud Flament, among others.

Speaking ahead of starting his new role with Harlequins Women, Mullen said: “It’s exciting to confirm my next chapter as Head coach with Harlequins Women, they are one of the top sides in the country and the squad is full of talent. I really believe that with the players and staff in the programme we can achieve something special within the Women’s game. I am lucky to have great support around me and Karen Findlay, who has done a fantastic job for many years, will be a big asset.

“Loughborough is an amazing place and has been great for my development as a person and a coach. It gives me great pride to see many players now playing in the Premiership or Championship who came through the programme at Loughborough.

“I am a very ambitious and passionate coach and this is also why I know Harlequins is an excellent place for me to go and further my development. There is great synergy between the Men’s and Women’s programme and the opportunity for me to learn from world class coaches within the Men’s set up is very exciting. I want to be the best I can be and I am always trying to improve myself alongside those I work with, and I know the Quins environment will provide the support and challenge to take my coaching to the next level.”

General Manager Billy Millard added: “Gerard is an exciting young coach with a good eye for backline play and attack. This skillset and his recent experience as a Head Coach will compliment forwards coach Karen Findlay and give our talented group a new edge in preparation and performance.”