John Kingston has taken over as Harlequins' head coach following the departure of Andy Friend.

Kingston, who will be director of rugby Dean Richards' right-hand man, has been part of the Quins coaching set-up for the past six years.

A former Harlequins player, he also played for Rosslyn Park, Newcastle Gosforth, England U23s and England B, as well as Middlesex. Assisting Kingston will be academy manager Colin Osbourne, who joined Quins as First XV backs coach in 1990 before taking on various roles in youth development.

Replacing him will be former Quins, England and British Lions star Tony Diprose, who had been working as Osbourne's assistant since retiring from playing a few years back.

Richards said: "I am a true believer in natural progression within a club and rewarding individuals for their commitment and effort, and this is a huge regard for all my coaching staff."