Harlequins rugby coach Paul Gustard will leave the club with immediate effect after little more than two years in charge, the London-based club said on Wednesday,
Gustard, who left his role as England's defence coach for the Harlequins job in May 2018, led the side to a sixth-place finish in the interrupted 2019-20 campaign. However, results have deteriorated with two wins from six games this season.
A former player renowned for his tough tackling, Gustard was credited with improving Quins' often leaky defence early on in his tenure. But despite a roster of current and former England players, the side have yet to show the same grit in the 2020-21 season.
The club most recently drew with London Irish 27-27 after surrendering a 12 point lead with 15 minutes to go.
Billy Millard, Harlequins' general manager of rugby, will oversee the remaining coaching team for the rest of the season, the club said.