Jeremy Manning steps down as Quins coach

Matt Jones - Editor 16:03 10/06/2015
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  • Jeremy Manning is remaining in Abu Dhabi and will be available for selection next season.

    Jeremy Manning has stepped down as Abu Dhabi Harlequins player/coach after two seasons in charge.

    The Heineken Cup winner is remaining in Abu Dhabi and will be available as a player next season, but the New Zealander has relinquished his coaching role, with several business ventures keeping him busy and a possible rugby sevens role in the pipeline.

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    Manning was influential, both on and off the field this season, as Quins bounced back from two opening defeats in the Sport360 UAE Premiership to qualify for the final, where they beat Dubai Hurricanes 39-19.

    Manning also led Quins to the Gulf Men’s League title at December’s Dubai Sevens.

    The capital city side struggled in the Gulf Top 6 in the new year, finishing third and missing out on a second straight West Asia Cup final, but a largely youthful Quins outfit impressed during the campaign under the Kiwi.

    Manning’s replacement has already been announced, forwards coach Mike McFarlane, a former Quins player, taking the reins.

    “I’ve enjoyed my time with Harlequins and I thank them a lot,” said Manning.

    “I don’t think words can explain what they’ve done for me. Hopefully I’ve done them proud and they’ll keep doing the things they’re doing.

    “I’m not leaving Abu Dhabi, I’m still here. I’m still going to help Abu Dhabi Harlequins as much as I can. At this stage I’m not sure how much that is going to be but I’m not leaving and I’m still here for the club, I’m still part of Harlequins.

    “But I’ve just had to step down from my official role as head coach.”

    Manning runs his own business as a personal trainer and has just established a female-only fitness venture with his wife, Kate, while spending time with his new bride (the couple were married in December) is also a reason for resigning.

    “My wife gets Friday’s off so it’s pretty much the only day I get to see her during the week because of the crazy hours she and I both work,” he said.

    “It’s a bit of a tough one because we only got married in December so it’s precious time we’re missing out on.

    “I’m still going to register myself (as a player). It depends how much time I’ve got on my hands.

    “I love rugby but there are more important things in life. I’ve bashed my body for the last 14 years so it’s probably a nice time to give it a bit of a rest.

    “I’m being a little bit selfish on the playing side but on the coaching side I’ll still do what I can for Quins and help out when needed, if time allows it.

    Manning has been a major influence after two years at the helm of the senior team.

    “I think the club are a little bit gutted but it’s not like I’m going to another club. I spoke to the committee a while ago and they were very happy I didn’t leave them in the lurch and have wished me all the best.”

    Manning’s exit sparks an exodus of the coaching staff, with McFarlane the only man to remain from last season.

    His assistant Scott Clark is also stepping aside as is forwards coach and No8 Clendon Pene.

    Manning insists he will still be around to play, coach and advise, and believes he is leaving Quins in a strong position ahead of next season.

    He said: “I and the rest of the staff have left Harlequins in a great position for next year. Winning the UAE Prem and the Sevens title.

    “We didn’t do so well in the Gulf Top 6 but we fought back well and ended up on a high. So between ourselves I think we’ve left the club in great stead for next season.

    “The club’s growing. We’ve got a lot of great players here. Over the last couple of years, they’ve taken massive strides forward.  I think the club’s on the verge of creating some very good stuff and I think Mike will be able to take them to that next step.

    “He’ll be a great addition and he’s passionate about rugby and knows his stuff, so I think he’ll do really well. He’s going to do wonders for the club.

    “He was forwards coach with Clendon last year so it’s a natural progression to step up and take control of the first team.

    “And it’s not an alien environment for him or the players. That will probably work out well for him and he used to play for Quins too.”

    Manning becomes the fourth head coach of last season’s six Premiership teams to quit in the last month.

    Ali Thompson stepped down as coach of Abu Dhabi rivals Saracens in May, while Jan Venter and Darrell McEwen have left Dubai Exiles and Xodus Wasps respectively in the last week. 

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