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John Kingston signs new deal to remain Harlequins Director of Rugby

Kingston lead Harlequins to the club’s highest Premiership finish in three years in his first season. Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images for Harlequins

Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston has extended his contract at the Aviva Premiership side along with Mark Mapletoft and Graham Rowntree.

Kingston, who replaced Conor O'Shea in 2016 at the helm, guided Quins to their highest finish in the Premiership in three years in his first season in charge and helped bring Champions Cup rugby back to Twickenham Stoop by finishing 6th in the league last season.

"I'm immensely proud to have the opportunity to continue being part of a club that is evolving both on and off the field," Kingston told the club website.

"I know the squad is in a much stronger position now than when I took over and I'm looking forward to kicking on with the next phase of the team's development."

Head coach Mark Mapletoft and Graham Rowntree have also extended their stays at the club, and the news comes days after fly-half Marcus Smith committed his future to the club.

Speaking on the Mapletoft and Rowntree extensions, Kingston said: "I am delighted Mark and Graham have committed their futures to Harlequins.

"Mark is one of the brightest and most forward-thinking coaches in the Aviva Premiership and with three British and Irish Lions tours as coach under his belt, Graham is regarded as one of the finest Forwards coaches in the world."