Harlequins chief Paul Blanchard to leave in February

Paul Blanchard used to work in football for the Scottish Premier League

Harlequins chief executive Paul Blanchard is to leave the club in February to take up a similar role at a local leisure centre.

The former Hull Kingston Rovers chief executive, who has also held down jobs in sports administration at Southampton and Surrey CCC, joined Quins in 2009.

But he will now move to a new position at the Surrey Sports Park.

"It will be a real wrench to leave," said Blanchard. "But I have a fantastic opportunity that I cannot turn down."

Harlequins chairman David Hughes said: "The last two years have been difficult, but the club has made significant progress under Paul's leadership.

"We have already started the process of appointing a successor who will continue the positive strides we have made recently and ensure a healthy future for Super League in London."