RUGBY UNION: Ligairi-Badham gets Quins job (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Ligairi-Badham gets Quins job

10:00am Thursday 17th January 2013 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

DANNY Ligairi-Badham has taken over as Oxford Harlequins’ head coach after Tevita Vaikona stepped down for personal reasons.

Former Harlequins and Worcester wing Ligairi-Badham will lead Quins until the end of the season, with Steve Chadbone assisting him as head of rugby.

Quins chairman John Finch said: “It was a mutual decision, made in both parties’ best interests.

“I just want to thank Tevita for all his help in developing the club.”

Dual code Tongan international Vaikona joined Quins in summer 2011 and has also been a keY player in setting up Oxford Rugby League – a new semi-professional club.

Ligairi-Badham will combine the post with being head of operations and technical advisor for Tonga at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

He and Chadbone will lead Quins’ bid to avoid relegation from National 3 South West.

In recent weeks, they have been boosted by coaching sessions from London Irish and Tonga No 8 Chris Hala’ufia.

Finch admitted Quins’ position was bleak, with the side 19 points from safety, but stressed morale was still good.

“We are in a precarious position, but we are working our socks off, on and off the field,” said Finch.

Meanwhile, Josh Taumalolo, who played for Harlequins and Sale, is no longer coaching at Quins after being unable to secure a job in the area.