THE flames surrounding speculation that NEC Harlequins chief executive and head coach Mark Evans is on the three-man short list for the job of Welsh national coach were fanned this week by Quins managing director Tony Copsey.

And fans' fears that their team boss might leave the club were not quelled as Evans refused to comment on whether or not he would be interested in the job.

In an interview with Wales on Sunday Copsey stated that a pairing of Evans and Gareth Jenkins, another candidate on the short list, "would make a fantastic combination".

Commenting on the possiblity that Wales might want his colleague, Copsey said: "I would put Mark in the kind of Clive Woodward role overseeing the management side, and let Gareth take charge of the nuts and bolts".

Copsey added: "I rate Gareth so highly. He is probably the best coach I ever had as a player, but I also put Mark right up there with him".

Current Welsh coach Steve Hansen's contract is not set to expire until May and, with no official decision on the new coach expected shortly from the WRU, a dark cloud of uncertainty could affect Quins in their vital forthcoming fixtures as the season reaches its final stages.

The loss of their head coach could be felt both on and off the pitch. Mark Evans is also Harlequins chief executive and has been involved in exciting new plans to take the club forward with a major stadium redevelopment.