HARLEQUINS ANNOUNCED TODAY (11TH JULY) THAT SKILLS COACH COLLIN OSBORNE HAS LEFT THE CLUB FOR PERSONAL REASONS.

Collin originally joined Harlequins coaching staff in 1996 at the start of the professional era and played a key role in helping introduce the standards of training and commitment required for the team to compete effectively in the changed rugby environment.

His experience was to prove invaluable when the RFU introduced academies in 2002 and Harlequins was successful in being granted an RFU Academy licence.  Collin was instrumental in attracting a group of talented young players to the Academy that have gone on to contribute greatly to Harlequins and achieve international status with England.

Eight seasons ago he was appointed Skills Coach to the first team squad and worked with the players in an era that was the most successful in the Club’s professional history.

Everyone connected with Harlequins would like to thank Collin for his contribution and commitment over the years and wishes him well for the future.

Having sent him to look at coaching in South Africa, it would seem a bit of a waste of money to dump Easter at this point!

"Personal reasons" is the in-phrase for coaches who are moving on.

But would like to thank Colin for all the hard work he's put in to growing the academy and coaching the first team and wish him all the best for the future!

Thanks to Collin for all he's done. Been a great coach over the years but probably right time to move on

Would like to thank you Colin for everything you've done, what an amazing success you made of our academy and the players that came through the ranks under your watch, good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Thanks and good luck Collin, 22 years with a single club is a long time and you did many good things in that time.

As soon as NEv was listed in an article recently as Attack & Skills coach, I thought the writing was on the wall. Thanks for your service to the club, Collin.

I would also like to thank Colin for his work with the academy players and senior squads,and on a personal note Colin would always take the time to talk to quins fans at away games ,something not always afforded by other coaches.

Old pals act mebbes?