PAUL GUSTARD quit England after they lost a tug-of-war for his services with Harlequins.
The Red Rose defence coach was in the middle of extending his contract with the RFU before Premiership side Quins swooped.
Gustard completed his 500m switch across the A3 from Twickenham to The Stoop on Monday – even though he was just 15 months out from the World Cup.
But the 42-year-old insisted: “This wasn’t a job I went out to seek. I was in conversations with the RFU about extending my contract.
“But for me it came down to my career and my ambition to be a head coach. It is difficult to walk away from your country, but it was too good to turn down.
“Opportunities like this don’t come along very often. To be given the chance to lead a club as rich in talent, heritage and support as Harlequins is hugely exciting.
“I am a proud Englishman and it has been a privilege to represent my country and work under Eddie Jones. There have been some incredible memories which I will cherish, and I will look back proudly on my contribution with England.
“I am desperate for England to do well as we push on to World Cup glory next year.”
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Gustard also said his relationship with Jones was still strong, despite ditching the man who gave him his big break.
Leaving the third best side in the world for the third WORST in the English Premiership has raised eyebrows.
But Gustard said: “My relationship with Eddie is strong and positive.
“He has supported me in accepting this new role and I will continue to have a strong relationship with him on our tour to South Africa and beyond. He was the first to give me an opportunity in 2008 and again in 2016 when he recruited me for England.
“I will always be thankful to him. However, I am now ready to lead a team and I am thrilled to have this chance at one of the Premiership’s biggest clubs.
“I would like to thank the RFU and Eddie personally for their support and for allowing me to leave early to take up this fantastic opportunity with Harlequins.”
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