Harlequins commit to developing women's rugby with programme launch

Reaffirming its commitment to growing and developing the women’s game the club will introduce girls to the sport through the Harlequins Foundation’s Switch program with the opportunity to progress to amateur level.

Developing through minis, junior and teenage rugby, the option to play at a social or elite adult level is available through the Harlequins Ladies third, second and first teams.

Tony Diprose, the Harlequins Global Development and Academy Director, said: “Developing women’s rugby is a key part of Harlequins’ five-year strategy as the club looks to support the expansion of the game into new markets.

“We are so proud to be able to offer a programme that will enable aspiring girls to play and represent this great club at a high level.”

The Harlequins first and second teams will compete in the RFU’s elite structures, while the third team will compete within the National Challenge 1 SE West League.

Karen Findlay and Gary Street, the ladies team co-head coaches said: “We are all incredibly excited to be part of this venture in driving the development of our sport in a local, national and international environment.

“The interest in women’s rugby is ever increasing and we will be capitalising on the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, in which Harlequins has nine representatives, ahead of the inaugural Tyrell’s Premier 15s competition and beyond."

In February, the RFU confirmed Harlequins’ place in the newly-formed Tyrrell’s Premier 15s competition, which kicks off next month.

Having partnered with League and Cup champions Aylesford Bulls Ladies last season, they have been formally brought under the Harlequins umbrella, alongside the Harlequin Amateurs and Harlequins Ladies 3rd XV, for the 2017 -18 season.

Playing their home matches at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, the Club has also confirmed that three matches will take place at The Stoop, against Bristol Ladies, Richmond, and Saracens.