Harlequins’ Gallagher Premiership Fixture against London Irish on 15th February has been confirmed as the inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Game.

Following on from Premiership Rugby’s Rainbow Laces campaign in December 2019, Harlequins will become the first professional rugby club to host an LGBTQ+ Pride game, in an innovative step to break down barriers and drive inclusivity.

As part of LGBT History Month, the fixture is designed to be a celebration of diversity within a sport known for acceptance and progress and Harlequins wants to champion inclusivity as a club, show support for the LGBTQ+ community, and use the Club’s platform to positively impact the experience of the LGBTQ+ people within the sports space.

The purpose of the game is to further demonstrate the Club’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment, continue to emphasise that rugby is a sport for everyone and communicate that Harlequins welcomes supporters from all backgrounds.  

In addition to the Club’s matchday commitment, The Harlequins Foundation has partnered with Monash University to conduct historic research to support efforts to promote inclusion within community rugby clubs and are aiming to develop education programmes to tackle sexist and homophobic language, which would be delivered throughout the year.  

Harlequins’ Club Captain Chris Robshaw said: “It’s genuinely brilliant to see Harlequins take this step to help tackle stigma and drive inclusivity within our game.

“I speak on behalf of the whole playing group in supporting this fantastic initiative and truly hope that we can help the LGBTQ+ community realise that sport is a safe environment that all can enjoy.”

Harlequins is currently working to develop the matchday experience which will include a panel from leading individuals working in sports in the LGBTQ+ community and further information will be released by the Club in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the fixture are available at tickets.quins.co.uk