Harlequins: The club has put underperforming stars on notice with planned squad cuts

Harlequins coach Jason Gilmour has warned his underperforming side that they are playing for their future, as the club plans to simplify their squad.

Quins have had a poor season so far, with the departure of coach Danny Wilson in September, followed by just four wins from 15 matches in all competitions.

A club statement, signed by Harlequins’ chief executive and chairman following the 66-21 defeat to Northampton last weekend, said the latest results were “not considered acceptable by anyone within the club”.

Queens host the South African Stormers – who, by contrast, have won all 10 of their matches this season – in the Champions Cup on Sunday.

“The fact of the matter is we have a lot of players under contract,” Gilmour said.

“We look at the spending we put into the team to make sure we get the most for our money. And the boys realize that.

“What is the ideal number of contracts? Where do we spend our spending and what do we really need?”

Harlequins beat off competition from Sale to retain England attacking five Chandler Cunningham South on a new contract in November, while Northampton full-back George Furbank is expected to move to Twickenham St at the start of next season.

Bristol second-row James Dunne has also been confirmed for 2026-27.

Former captain Stephen Lewis has been linked with a return to his native South Africa, external His current contract expires at the end of the season, but Gilmour has indicated that further departures may be necessary as he looks for a younger squad that combines quality and flexibility.

He added: “Obviously you need the right number of contracts in all positions, so that if you get injuries, it doesn’t feel like you’re scrambling.”

“But what we’re looking at is, can we be more efficient in the contracts we make?”

The Harlequins team has lost a group of big names in recent seasons, as the retirement of Joe Marler, Danny Kerr and Matt Simmons coincided with the departure of Andre Esterhuizen, Will Collier, Wilco Law and Joe Marchant.

Gilmour said he was focusing on reviving Harlequins’ distinctive attacking style, while emphasizing the need for physicality in defence.

“How prepared are we to fight?” He added.

“It’s not just about sitting back, it’s about controlling the momentum in the game and making sure we stay on top.”

Flanker Jack Kenningham came through the club’s academy, having been a regular at the Stoop as a boy.

“I put my body on the line every time I play for Queens, I love the club,” the 26-year-old said.

“It means a lot to me, as I was a season ticket holder when I was about 11. So it probably hurts me, probably more than others when we lose.”