Wales Rugby Union has caught up in a fierce row as Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple has launched a scathing attack, claiming they derailed his club's campaign by taking Danny Wilson from them.
The London club permitted Wilson to assist Wales during their summer tour of Japan on a temporary basis.
However, the WRU confirmed Wilson's permanent appointment to Steve Tandy's coaching staff mere hours before the Premiership season commenced.
Dalrymple said: "We have somehow arrived in an environment where unions can helicopter in, borrow employees, unsettle them and then come in and get them at a later date when clubs are in a vulnerable position."
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The timing left Harlequins with virtually no opportunity to find a suitable replacement.
Dalrymple revealed that Wilson departed for Japan in late June, yet the WRU made no approach until September, during which time the coach remained on Harlequins' payroll.
He said: "Danny went on the Japan tour in late June and we did not have any contact from the WRU until September and during that time, he is still our employee."
When questioned whether the club ought to have anticipated Wilson's exit given his rumoured links to Tandy's setup, Dalrymple pushed back.
Wales Rugby Union has caught up in a fierce row
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He asked: "In a hypothetical situation, how do you legislate for someone who might not walk out the door or have someone waiting to take on a role or a contract that may never exist?"
With limited options, Dalrymple promoted Australian Jason Gilmore from within to oversee the rugby programme.
The results have been dire, with just two league wins leaving Harlequins stuck in eighth position.
Dalrymple explained: "So Jason has taken on a situation that was not of his engineering. We effectively gave him the keys to someone else's car, but asked him to drive it, keep it serviced when he has had very little impact in the construct of that plan and structure of how it is meant to be delivered."
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Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple claimed they derailed his club's campaign by taking Danny Wilson from them
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The club's coaching merry-go-round has been a persistent issue.
Over the past decade, John Kingston, Paul Gustard, Tabai Matson, Wilson and Gilmore have all held the reins at various stages.
Dalrymple conceded this revolving door lies at the heart of their current woes.
Supporter discontent has also centred on the departure of key players, including international centre Andre Esterhuizen and academy graduate Nathan Jibulu, who has since thrived at Sale Sharks.
Danny Wilson is currently an assistant coach for the Wales national rugby union team
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Speaking on Esterhuizen, Dalrymple said: "He is a generational talent and you don't necessarily replace people like that easily. We tried on numerous attempts and engaged with a number of players but we were unsuccessful."
Regarding Jibulu, he insisted the club fought to retain him.
He said: "We made big strides to keep him but he made a decision to leave."
Dalrymple pointed to the successful retention of Caden Murley, Fin Baxter, Alex Dombrandt and Jack Kenningham as evidence of their commitment to building for the future.
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