Quins chief exec to leave

Blanchard joined Quins in March 2009 as general manager and took up a place on the board of the London-based club two months ago.

But now he will leave Twickenham Stoop in order to take over as chief executive of The Surrey Sports Park.

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

Quins chairman David Hughes added: "I would like to really thank Paul for the work he has done for the club in the last two years.

"They 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."