Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Harlequins Rugby League is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Blanchard as General Manager with immediate effect. Paul Blanchard joins Harlequins Rugby League with a wealth of sports management experience having worked for NFL Europe, the Scottish Premier League, Southampton Football Club and Surrey County Cricket Club , where he was credited with the commercial success of the development of the Brit Oval.  Most recently he was Chief Executive at Super League rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

Speaking today on his appointment, Paul Blanchard said, “This is a really exciting opportunity to develop the commercial opportunity of Rugby League in London. The relationship that the club has with Harlequins FC provides a fantastic support base to take the club forward. My focus will be to work closely with Harlequins, our existing sponsors and supporters to expand the customer base during the current three year license period and grow our business in line with the objectives set by the Board when we were granted our Super League license in July last year.

“The season has started really well and we must ensure that off field development of the club matches the enormous progress made by the team under Coach Brian McDermott.”

Harlequins Rugby League chairman, David Hughes, said today: “Paul Blanchard has enjoyed considerable success in professional sport over a number of years and I am delighted to welcome him on board. His appointment is not only positive for this club, but also good news for the growth and development of Rugby League in London and the South East. 

“We have recently initiated the West London and Surry Club Rugby League Development Programme through the generous support of Sport England and a private investor. I am confident that with Paul Blanchard at the helm, we will continue to increase local Rugby League participation and produce the next generation of Super League players.”

Harlequins FC Chief Executive, Mark Evans, added: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the Harlequins family and look forward to working with him in a close and mutually beneficial way.”