Rowntree returns with Harlequins

Rowntree will be a member of a new-look coaching team headed up by John Kingston, promoted from within the existing Stoop set-up to Director of Rugby.

The changes have come about because the current Director of Rugby, Conor O'Shea, is leaving Harlequins at the end of the season to become the new coach of Italy.

Rowntree will become the London club's forwards chief and his appointment leaves Stuart Lancaster as the last remaining member of England's coaching team at the 2015 World Cup to secure a new job.

Then England coach Lancaster, Rowntree, attacking skills coach Mike Catt and backs boss Andy Farrell all exited after the team became the first host nation be knocked out of a World Cup at the group stage.

Under their new Australian head coach Eddie Jones, England bounced back to win this season's Six Nations with a Grand Slam.

Farrell is now Ireland's new defence coach, while Catt will join O'Shea's Italy backroom staff.

At Harlequins, Rowntree will find himself working with newly promoted head coach Mark Mapletoft, while former England No 8 Nick Easter has been given a player-coach role.

"To have the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious and historic club really excites me," said former Leicester and England prop Rowntree.

"Harlequins has a very talented playing squad with a wealth of top-class experience and a fantastic crop of youngsters. I can't wait to join up with the new coaching group and get started."

Harlequins are currently seventh in the 12-team English Premiership and they will face Montpellier in next month's second-tier European Challenge Cup final in Lyon.

Agence France-Presse