Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore says there is “no doubt” the club will perform better in the Prem this season.
Quins endured a disappointing 2025-26 campaign and finished ninth in the table – their lowest position for eight years.
But Gilmore says the club have been working hard behind the scenes to improve recruitment, style of play and skill levels by refreshing the playing and coaching staff.
“We went through a lot of change last year and some tough times, so we feel like it’s almost a new start for us,” Gilmore told BBC Radio London before the season opener against Bath at The Stoop on Friday.
“New coaching group, new game model in terms of how we’re going to play. New performance staff in terms of how they’re building the players, which is exciting.”
Robbie Deans officially started his role as new performance director in July, while England international George Furbank joined from Northampton this summer.
Deans’ experience with the Australia and New Zealand national teams and at club level will be vital, said Gilmore.
“He’s always got good advice and he’ll support and challenge,” Gilmore added. “For the programme, number one, he’s been excellent. But for me personally, he’s going to be a great resource.”
Gilmore described full-back Furbank as “the best player in the country in his position”.
“He’s captained Northampton to Premierships and trophies, so that will be invaluable for us,” the Australian coach said.
“He’s been through a rebuild. Northampton probably weren’t too far away from where we were and George has obviously seen what it takes.
“So we’ll be using George a fair bit in terms of how we’re going to rebuild the club.”
Furbank will not be available for Friday’s curtain-raiser, however, after suffering a head injury in Friday’s pre-season win over Edinburgh.
