CHIM Gale is set to become academy manager at Harlequins after leaving Worcester Warriors.

The Worcester News understands Gale will oversee the youth set-up at the London club who have undergone a renaissance since Paul Gustard was appointed head of rugby last summer.

Under Gustard’s leadership Quins finished fifth in the Gallagher Premiership last term – five places higher than they achieved in the 2017-18 season.

Yesterday, ex-England and Great Britain rugby league star Sean Long made the move to The Stoop to take on the role of assistant coach.

And Gale is now poised to take charge of Quins’ academy which has a large catchment area to pick talented young players from.

Gale’s departure is seen as a big blow to Warriors having played an instrumental role in developing the likes of flanker Ted Hill, centre Ollie Lawrence and fly-half Jamie Shillcock.

After being made assistant academy manager in May 2014 Gale was then promoted into the top job in July 2016.

In a statement on Warriors’ website, Gale confirmed the recruitment process to find his successor had got underway ahead of the 2019-20 season.

“I’ve enjoyed ten wonderful years with Worcester Warriors and I can’t thank all Warriors’ staff, clubs, schools, countless volunteers and stakeholders past and present enough,” Gale said.

“Everyone has been great in supporting and helping me run the academy.

“Warriors have already started the recruitment process for a new academy manager who will lead the academy forward and continue to produce homegrown players as this is an important part of the club’s long-term vision.

“I wish all the staff and players every success moving forward and look forward to seeing more talented senior and junior academy players representing Warriors first XV.”