Rugby league legend Sean Long has had his next coaching role confirmed with rugby union side Harlequins announcing him as a coach for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Sean Long, who last worked in rugby league as Oldham’s head coach, has been appointed as a Skills and Transition coach by Harlequins in what is a permanent move.
It’s not a major change as Long has been working with the rugby union outfit in a consultancy role but he now takes on a permanent role which seemingly locks him into the 15-player code for the foreseeable, and shuts a door on any possible rugby league return.
Long left Championship side Oldham in November and has been working with Harlequins in recent months but as the Premiership side formalise their coaching staff for the upcoming season, they’ve now locked Long into an official role.
The 49-year-old is familiar with the club having been on their staff for the 2019/20 season but the promotion to a full-time role is still a key appointment.
Sir Kevin Sinfield, play-off race heats up and who can stop Wigan Warriors? – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
Sean Long lands coaching role at Harlequins
The former St Helens man will work under head coach Jason Gilmore as Quins look to shoot up the table after finishing a lowly ninth last year, their worst finish in eight years.
Speaking on the role, Sean Long said: “I’ve enjoyed working alongside Jason and the wider coaching staff, and I think there’s a brilliant environment being built here.
“As skills and transition coach, I want to help the players express themselves and fulfil their potential.”
Gilmore had lots to say about the appointment of Long, adding: “Sean has been promoted from a part-time role this season to a full-time Skills Coach.
“Sean’s attention to detail and ability to identify positives and a critical fix immediately in a training session or game is second to none.
“He has been a career coach since finishing a glittering rugby league playing career and will be a valuable addition to our programme.
“A multiple title-winner with St Helens and representing Great Britain, Sean, like Jordan (Turner-Hall, Defence and Transition Coach), has lived and breathed winning at the highest level and understands the standards and performances we need to drive at our club.”
Sean 🤝
Harlequins are pleased to confirm Sean Long will join the Club’s coaching structure as Skills and Transition coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
📦 Delivered By @DHLRugbyUK #COYQ pic.twitter.com/10yzDadk57
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) June 17, 2026
