Blanchard handed Quins promotion

Harlequins have announced that General Manager Paul Blanchard has been promoted to Chief Executive and will join the Board of Directors of The Club with immediate effect.

He joins Chairman, David Hughes and Non Executive Director Gerry Bouman on the Board of Harlequins RL.

Hughes said: “This is a well deserved recognition for Paul who managed the recent discussions and negotiations with the RFL which have been concluded successfully. During that period he steered The Club through a very difficult and uncertain future but I am now very optimistic about the progress we can make.”

Hughes recently committed his future to Quins following uncertainty over their future, and the club are looking to kick on ahead of the 2011 season.

Blanchard added: “I am honoured to be invited to join the board and like David, I am very excited about the future of this club. I am under no illusions about the size of the task or the work required but I feel that there is a renewed optimism around The Club and a great opportunity.”

Rob Powell continues to act as temporary head coach while the club seeks a long term successor to the departed Brian McDermott.