HARLEQUINS’ scrum half Danny Care hopes his side’s new director will “stamp a bit of authority” on the team following a season of crushing disappointment at Twickenham Stoop.

A hefty 41-17 defeat by Exeter concluded the reign of John Kingston and sealed a chastening 10th place finish in the Aviva Premiership — the club’s worst performance since 2005.

Kingston spent 17 years at the club in various capacities and recognition of his service came in the form of a guard of honour by the squad, but Care knows a fresh start is needed with the search for a new boss well under way.