Stellar candidates such as Ian McGeechan , Jake White and Nick Mallett were linked to the vacant post .
Quins have opted to take a punt on a high - calibre coach who has not been involved in elite competitive rugby for four years .
Stellar candidates such as Ian McGeechan , Jake White and Nick Mallett were linked to the vacant post but Quins have opted to take a punt on a high - calibre coach who has not been involved in elite competitive rugby for four years .