Diprose, who is also Defence Coach of the new Aviva Premiership champions, has been responsible for the club's Academy since 2008 and has overseen the development of many of the players now making an impact in the senior team including Joe Marler, George Lowe and Luke Wallace.

The 39-year-old retired from professional rugby in 2006 after a distinguished 15 year career at senior level that included 10 caps for England. He also toured with the British and Irish Lions to South Africa in 1997. Tony has now been at the club, including his five years as a player, for 10 seasons.

Commenting on the extension to his contract, Tony Diprose said, "I am delighted to extend my contract. I enjoy the differing challenges of my two roles at Harlequins. I feel as though I am developing and learning hugely within our first team coaching environment alongside Conor, John, Mark and Collin. I am looking forward to helping us build on this season's successes and also continuing to develop Harlequins Academy players to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Jordan Turner-Hall.

Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea said, "Tony's contribution to Harlequins both in developing the next generation of young players and his work with the first team, is nothing short of exceptional. I am delighted for everyone involved that he has committed himself to the club until 2015. I'm looking forward to working with him to develop us further as a coaching and playing group."