Gilmore promises Harlequins will put dismal season behind them

Jason Gilmore has promised Harlequins will bounce back from last season's slump. "We'll be better than last year, there's no doubt about that," the head coach said.

Quins finished ninth in the Prem — England's top division — in the 2025-26 campaign, according to BBC. That was their lowest league position for eight years. Ninth was not good enough.

The numbers tell the story. Their tally of 31 points was their worst since they managed only 18 back in 1999-2000. They won three of their final four Prem games to end last season, but the damage was already done.

This is not a one-year dip. Harlequins won the Premiership title in 2020-21 with their fast, fearless attack. Since then they have reached the play-offs — the top-four knockout stage that decides the champions — just once, in 2021-22. They have finished outside the top four in each of the past four seasons.

Gilmore insists the reset is already under way. He said Quins "will certainly have a better season and we'll put the club back on track."

Help has arrived upstairs. Former Australia and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans officially started as performance director in July. Gilmore took the head coach job permanently in March after a spell as interim, and he has reshaped his staff around him.

For supporters, this means patience with a side still finding its shape. Friday will be a test. Harlequins open the new season against Bath at The Stoop on Friday, and they will have to do it without their big summer signing.

George Furbank joined Quins from Northampton. Gilmore called him "the best player in the country in his position." He will miss the Bath game after suffering a head injury in the pre-season win over Edinburgh. Head knocks are treated cautiously in rugby, with players stood down until they clear strict return-to-play checks.

Bath at home is a tough start for any team. A fast start would lift the mood in south-west London. A slow one will bring back memories of last year very quickly.