Harlequins backs and attack coach Mark Mapletoft has signed a two year contract extension that will keep him with the Aviva Premiership Rugby club based and the Twickenham Stoop until the end of the 2014-15 season.

Since re-joining the London club as a coach in 2010, Mapletoft has contributed greatly to the development of the attacking style of rugby that has been at the heart of the club's success over the past two seasons.

The 40-year-old retired from playing professional rugby in 2005 and was capped at every level of rugby for England winning a full cap against Argentina in 1997.

Prior to joining Harlequins he spent four years with the RFU as a National Academy Coach which included roles as Backs Coach and Head Coach of the England Under 20 team that reached successive Junior World Cup Finals in 2008 and 2009 and achieved a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2008.

Commenting on his contract extension, Mark Mapletoft said, "When Conor O'Shea offered me the opportunity to extend my stay with the club, it was a very easy decision. Harlequins is a fantastic environment to work in - supportive, challenging, fun and hugely rewarding to coach a large number of ambitious English players. "

"Winning the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Aviva Premiership in successive seasons has given everyone involved with the club a boost, but we recognise that these successes are only a start."

Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea said, "Mark's contribution to the recent success of the club has been significant. We go back a long way now so on a personal level I am delighted that Mark has committed his future to us."

"In addition, his knowledge of England qualified emerging talent gained while working with the RFU is a real asset for this club. I'm very pleased that he has decided to commit himself to the club until 2015 and am really looking forward to continuing to work with him."