Ross Chisholm will lead the programme as Head Coach having been promoted into the role in July. Chisholm spent two seasons as Skills Coach before retiring from playing and taking on the role of Attack and Transition Coach last season.
Andy Rhys Jones moves into a new role as “Head of Women’s Rugby”, managing all off-field aspects of the programme alongside Chisholm. Rhys Jones’ role will cover recruitment, pathway management and a wide range of operational responsibilities of the programme.
Steve Halsey continues as Forwards Coach, taking on the additional responsibility of managing the Transition players in his new role as Transition Coach.
Announced yesterday, Chris Laidlaw joins the coaching setup as an Assistant Coach and will be managing defence.
Pat Metcalfe-Jones joins Harlequins as Head Coach of Surrey University Women’s Rugby, a brand-new role as part of a strategic partnership with the Guildford-based University. Metcalfe-Jones joins Quins with extensive coaching experience at both City of Oxford College and Trailfinders Women, as well as playing experience with Quins and Richmond.
Quins add strong experience to their coaching setup with two skills coaches in Jack Walker and James Chisholm from Harlequins’ Men’s setup. Walker will focus on set piece and the front-row, whilst James Chisholm will work closely with the back-row and breakdown.
Harlequins hooker Jack Walker joined the Club in 2021 from Bath, and has made 64 appearances in the Quarters. Walker is also capped for England, making his debut against Italy in 2023 before being selected for England’s World Cup squad the same year. Walker also spent time coaching Leeds Beckett Women whilst playing for Leeds Carnegie.
James Chisholm formally joins his brother in the Harlequins Women coaching team, having worked closely with the squad last season in training. Chisholm joined Harlequins in 2013 and has made 150 appearances for the Club.
Commenting on the announcement, Ross Chisholm said “We’ve worked hard over the summer to build a coaching group that aligns with this programme and the Club’s vision. I’m excited to get started with this group, and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.
Andy Rhys Jones said “We’re delighted to confirm the coaching setup across Harlequins Women and our new strategic partnership with Surrey University. We’ve got a really exciting coaching group with well-balanced expertise and skillset.
“The partnership with Surrey University holds huge potential for us, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Pat (Metcalfe-Jones) to ensure the long-term success of the programme.”
With thanks to Harlequins
