Former England international Alex Codling has joined Harlequins’ ranks as forwards coach after leaving his post as Ealing Trailfinders’ chief.

The lock forward, who won Quins’ player of the season in 2002 and his solitary England cap in the same year, joins up with new Quins head of rugby Paul Gustard as the west Londoners look to build momentum ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

The 44-year-old was head coach of Ealing from the end of the 2015-16 season, during which time they have won the British & Irish Cup and finished runners-up in the RFU Championship.

On his move to Quins, Codling said: “I have some special memories as a player during my time at Harlequins and am really excited about joining the coaching team of this great club.”

Gustard added: “I have known Alex for almost 20 years both as a player and a coach.  Over the last ten years he has been exceptionally proactive and curious in seeking new ideas and developing his coaching skills. 

“He is an enthusiastic coach who I have observed first hand elicit strong engagement and technical development with his teams. 

“He is very detailed around the line-out and clearly has a strong passion in this area. I’m delighted to have him as part of our coaching group at Harlequins.”