Harlequins proud to support Stonewall and Rainbow Laces

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Harlequins is proud to support the work of LGBT charity Stonewall and will wear the Rainbow Laces in both the men’s and women’s fixtures in the coming weeks.

Supporting the campaign’s values of inclusivity, acceptance and diversity, both Harlequins’ senior teams will don the laces for the Saracens Double Header at The Stoop on Sunday 3rd December and for the men’s fixture against Bath Rugby on Saturday 25th November; part of the wider Rainbow Laces weekend.

Discussing the work of Stonewall, Harlequins captain James Horwill said: “Rugby, and sport in general, is for everyone.  It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, sport is open for everyone.

“It’s great that Harlequins is supporting the two rounds of Rainbow Laces over the next two weekends. I’m looking forward to wearing the Rainbow Laces as equality is a topic that I think is really important.”

Harlequins Ladies Co-Head Coach Karen Findlay added: “With rugby’s values of togetherness, being a team and supporting each other, we should be backing campaigns like this to make sure people are welcomed into the sport and they can fulfil their dreams. It’s another example of Harlequins being progressive, trying to grow the game and engage as many people in the sport as we possibly can.”

Harlequins player, and chairman of the RPA, Mark Lambert also said: “This is part of the Club’s general attitude towards this topic and it’s very positive. We’ve also got the Harlequins Foundation that support initiatives like Switch that encourages young girls to get into rugby and HITZ which is an inclusivity-driven programme to get more people playing the sport.”

Harlequins is delighted that Official Partner Norton Rose Fulbright is also a supporter of Stonewall. The global law firm was ranked within the top 10 employers in Stonewall’s most recent Workplace Equality Index of most LGBT inclusive employers.

Jamie Morton, co-chair of the Pride network at Norton Rose Fulbright commented: “As a firm we continue to be dedicated to promoting an inclusive culture. We value differences and work hard to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and are delighted to work with Harlequins to support Stonewall.”

Read more about Norton Rose Fulbright’s diversity and inclusion projects here.

Report courtesy of Harlequins