Tony Rea has decided to leave Harlequins after 13 years with the London-based club to pursue a career in coaching.

Director of sport Rea played for the club before taking on the roles of chief executive officer and head coach.

The Australian joined the then London Broncos club in 1994 as a player and was named captain on his arrival.

He spent two seasons playing for the club before being appointed CEO at the end of 1996.

He was named head coach in October 2000 and held the position for nearly six years, before taking his current position on the main board of the club.

He said: "After 13 terrific years, the time has arrived to say that I am leaving to pursue other challenges.

"I have missed coaching at the highest level, which is where I feel my strengths lie, and will pursue opportunities to do so."

"I wish to thank the club for the many things that it has given me. My experiences here have developed and broadened me.

"To everybody involved now and in the future, I just ask that you continue to look after the place in the same way."

Harlequins RL director David Hughes said: "We respect Tony's decision to further his career in coaching which I know is in his heart.

"I've known him as a player since the start of Super League in 1996. Thereafter, he filled the role of chief executive officer and then first-team coach. He filled all three roles as a complete professional.

"With the nature of the former London Broncos club and now Harlequins RL, Tony has had to do many tasks beyond the call of duty."

It is expected that Rea will stay on with the club over the next few months to help transition and to wait for the right opportunity in coaching.

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