Jason Gilmore: Retired Harlequins lock Joe Launchbury could be a top coach

Harlequins chief Jason Gilmore expects Joe Launchbury to become a successful coach after the second row last week called time on his 16-year career.

Launchbury, who won 70 England caps, has retired at the age of 34 after suffering an injury-disrupted season.

“He has had an outstanding career and he is someone I have learned a lot from, an outstanding team man,” said Gilmore, Quins’ head coach.

“He has been disappointed with injuries reducing his time on the field this season, but he has had an impressive impact off the field.”

Coach: Jason Gilmore

Good eye

He continued: “When you coach players in their mid-30s, sometimes their minds become closed off, but Joe is keen to keep learning and he is a positive influence at the club.

“I guess his body has paid the price for the way he played the game. I have had a few conversations with him about the next step, which can be daunting.

“He is capable of becoming a professional coach and did the lineout for us in this season’s Premiership Cup.

“He has such a good eye and the temperament for it and if he chose to take that route, I am sure he would be a success.”

Outstanding career: Joe Launchbury playing for Harlequins
PICTURES: Getty Images

Outstanding

Quins this month announced the signing of England full-back and Northampton captain George Furbank, below, ahead of Robbie Deans and Rob Hunter joining the management roster.

“George is an outstanding full-back who has played outside-half at Test level and we need people who can change the dial,” said Gilmore.

“We have looked closely at what Northampton have built and done. George knows Marcus Smith from their time with England, and he will make an impact, but we have a really good back three, and I do not want to disrespect the men we have there.”

Strong identity

Quins have signed second row James Dun from Bristol and prop Sampie Siegers from the Pumas, with Gilmore saying the top five was a priority as he looks to add grunt.

“We are having a look at how we play,” said Gilmore. “Quins have a well-known and strong identity, but we have been clunky this season, and we need to have a game model that fits into it.

“I have had long conversations with the likes of Danny Care and will be reaching out to more former players in the coming weeks.

“We are known as a freewheeling team, but when we have been successful, we have had the best set-piece and physicality.

“Get that and then you can play attractive rugby.”