Fresh from helping deliver the Hurricanes’ first Super Rugby Pacific title in a decade, assistant coach Brad Cooper has been confirmed as Harlequins’ new Attack Coach ahead of the 2026/27 Gallagher PREM season.
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The 2026 Super Rugby champions confirmed Cooper’s departure on Monday, ending a successful two-year spell in Wellington that culminated in a record-breaking campaign under Clark Laidlaw.
Cooper leaves having played a key role in the Hurricanes’ devastating attacking game, which powered them to the Super Rugby Pacific crown following their emphatic Grand Final victory over the Chiefs on Saturday.
The numbers underline just how influential the attacking coach has been. The Hurricanes averaged an astonishing 41 points and 6.4 tries per game during the regular season, becoming the first side in Super Rugby history to score more than 100 tries in a single campaign with 114 overall.
Prior to joining the Hurricanes in 2024, Cooper had already established himself as one of New Zealand rugby’s brightest young coaches. After progressing through the coaching ranks at Taranaki Rugby, he helped guide the Taranaki Bulls to the 2023 NPC title before working with the New Zealand Under-20 programme.
Speaking after confirming his move to London, Cooper admitted leaving Wellington was bittersweet.
“I’m really excited to be joining Harlequins. Having spoken with Jason (Gilmore) and the coaching group about the vision for this team, it’s clear there’s a real ambition here to play rugby with tempo, and that’s exactly the environment I want to be part of.
“Leaving the Hurricanes after a fantastic couple of years, which was capped with a Super Rugby title this weekend, wasn’t an easy decision. It’s been a hugely rewarding part of my coaching journey, and I’ve learnt so much both professionally and personally.
“But this is a great chance to help shape an attacking identity at a club with such history, and test myself as a coach in the northern hemisphere in the Gallagher PREM.
“I’ve watched Quins from afar and I know the DNA of this club is built on ambitious, attacking rugby – that’s a huge part of what drew me here. I can’t wait to get into pre-season, get to know the players, and start building something special at The Stoop.”
— Harlequins
Welcome Brad!
Harlequins are delighted to announce the arrival of Brad Cooper as our new Attack Coach ahead of the 2026/27 season from Super Rugby Pacific Champions, the Hurricanes.https://t.co/473GgITRwL
Delivered by @DHLRugbyUK #COYQ pic.twitter.com/O0MERIQvf6
(@Harlequins) June 23, 2026
Cooper also paid tribute to everyone at the Hurricanes following his departure.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the Hurricanes. It’s been a hugely rewarding part of my coaching journey, and I’ve learnt so much both professionally and personally. The opportunity to work with such talented players and staff has helped me grow enormously as a coach, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support, trust, and friendships I’ve built along the way.
“What makes this place special is the people. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some outstanding individuals who have challenged me, inspired me, and made every day enjoyable. Together we’ve shared plenty of hard work, great memories, and some special moments that I’ll always cherish.
“While it’s never easy to say goodbye, I leave with a great sense of gratitude and pride. I’d like to thank everyone involved with the Hurricanes for the opportunity and support they’ve given me. This club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish the team nothing but success in the future.”
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw praised Cooper’s contribution during his time in Wellington.
“We’ve really enjoyed Coops’ growth over the past two years. His work and dedication for the team, the players and the attacking side of the game is there for everybody to see.
“He’s always trying to make players better, which will be missed, but we wish him, Karina, and the family all the best at Harlequins as he tests himself in a different competition.”
Harlequins believe Cooper is the ideal appointment to help restore the club’s trademark attacking identity under new head coach Jason Gilmore.
Head coach Jason Gilmore added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Brad to Harlequins. This is an appointment we’ve been working towards carefully, and I have no doubt he is the right person to help us build the style of play and identity we want to establish at the Club.
“He’s spent the last two seasons at the Hurricanes, one of the most exciting and expansive attacking teams in Super Rugby, and he’s been a real part of what they’ve built there. The tempo, the ambition, the ability to create and finish – that resonates strongly with what Harlequins stands for, and Brad has lived it, developed it and delivered it at a high level.”
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