Harlequins launch the 2017/18 campaign for Harlequins Ladies, competing in the inaugural Tyrells Premier 15s competition.
In launching the “History in the making” campaign, it marks an exciting new chapter for Harlequins, as it expands and develops the elite level of women’s club rugby and takes strides to ensure parity across its elite playing squads.
The colourful campaign, which will run across the Harlequins Women’s digital channels throughout the season, was developed in association with SMACK Digital as part of their own commitment to develop women’s sport.
Featuring 2014 World Cup Winner Rachael Burford and Scottish international Deborah McCormack, it further showcases the depth of talent within Harlequins’ ranks, led by co-head coaches Karen Findlay and Gary Street.
During the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland, nine Harlequins represented their country.
“Today is an exciting day in our history” Harlequins Chief Executive David Ellis said. “We are incredibly proud to be making strides in the women’s game and to have Harlequins represented at the highest level of women’s domestic rugby.
“Developing women’s rugby is a key pillar of our five-year strategy and we are looking forward to seeing the squad’s development following the success of last season. We have been overwhelmed by the positive responses to launching the women’s arm of Harlequins, but excitingly for all involved, this is just the beginning of a new and ambitious era for the Club.
“Following the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup, there is an infectious buzz about the sport. It is our job to maximise the potential of this opportunity and be one of the leaders of women’s sport, both on and off the field.”
Harlequins captain and England centre, Rachael Burford added: “Harlequins is such a prestigious and widely recognised club in global rugby. There is so much history behind it and we are privileged to now be a part of that; this truly is a new era for our sport.
“The investment that is now being made into women’s rugby is hugely exciting and we as players feel very lucky to be part of it. This is the beginning of something remarkable and we can’t wait to get going under the Harlequins name.”
Harlequins Ladies sits within Harlequins’ overall women’s and girls strategy which encompasses the Harlequins Foundations’ Switch Programme, the Harlequin Amateurs girls section, and the Harlequins Ladies 3rd XV.
Harlequins Ladies will play their matches at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford and The Stoop. More details on how you can watch Harlequins play will be announced in the coming weeks. For all the latest news and information, follow @HarlequinsWomen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Report courtesy of Harlequins
