It’s actually happening…

England defence coach Paul Gustard is set to be unveiled as Harlequins’ new head coach tomorrow afternoon according to multiple reports.

The former Saracens coach has been widely linked with the role, but with the Rugby World Cup just 15 months away, not many believed he would actually walk away from his role with England so late in the current cycle.

Earlier in the week England head coach Eddie Jones said he had no contingency plan if Gustard decided to leave, and brushed off his links with Harlequins as nothing but “rumours”.

Gustard’s deal with Harlequins is believed to contain a clause that he remains with England until after next month’s three-Test tour of South Africa.

Shaun Edwards has emerged as an early frontrunner to replace Gustard in the England set-up.