Harlequins fixture against Richmond to become a Festival of Women’s Sport

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Harlequins has today announced that UK Sport, British Rowing, England Hockey, England Netball and many others will be attending and exhibiting their sports at the club’s showpiece fixture against Richmond Ladies on 10 March at the Twickenham Stoop (kick off 3pm).

Taking place just two days after International Women’s Day, Harlequins aims to attract a record crowd for a women’s club rugby game and will be supporting the 2018 ‘Press for Progress’ theme by taking a stand for equality in the world of sport.

UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger said: “This is a great initiative by Harlequins and we are excited to be a part of the wider message of promoting women in sport at this match.  Rugby Sevens was a massive success in Rio with Team GB winning Silver with the men’s team, and the women’s team narrowly missing out on Bronze, with a fourth place finish.

“Harlequins’ Jess Breach is one of many who will be playing on the day and she is currently in prime position to be a part of Team GB team at Tokyo 2020.  As part of our DiscoverYourGold campaign, we will be exhibiting at The Stoop and using the day to identify young people with sporting talent, with an aim to help them fulfil their potential and maybe join Jess on the plane to the Olympics.”

As part of this celebration of women’s sport, Harlequins has invited some of the UK’s most inspirational and talented sports women in history to attend the fixture.  Those who have already confirmed their attendance include Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic silver and double Commonwealth gold medallist Sharron Davies, alongside several members of Team GB’s Rio 2016 Olympic gold medal winning hockey team, including Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, Susannah Townsend, Alex Danson, plus many others.

“It’s great to have so many Olympians coming to Quins and showing support for the women’s game.  Thanks to successes like Team GB’s hockey gold at the Olympics in Rio, Women’s sport has a higher profile today than at any other point in history,” said Jamie Fox, Harlequins’ Head of Communications.

“Young people need sporting role models and having so many of the nation’s female sporting icons in attendance at The Stoop on March 10 will hopefully help inspire participation by creating a meaningful link between girls and their idols.”

Harlequins will also be celebrating women’s and girls’ rugby with a pre-match community club tournament, coaching clinics and Switch sessions held by the Harlequins Foundation.

Switch, launched by the Harlequins Foundation in 2016, is a programme aimed at encouraging girls to get involved into rugby.

Tickets for this match are £10 for Adults and £5 for Juniors and can be purchased by calling 020 8410 6000 or visiting tickets.quins.co.uk

Tickets are included for Members in the 2017/18 membership, but must be claimed online or through the Ticket Office.

Report courtesy of Harlequins