The champion Harlequin women’s team will get the 2025 season under way on Friday, April 11, when they will take on Southern Districts under lights from 7pm.
The next day, Saturday, April 12, it will be the men’s turn to launch their campaign – against the Vikings.
Both men and women Harlequin sides had successful seasons in 2024, and the club is optimistic this season will also produce some great memories for players, fans and administrators.
But before that, there will be a three week countdown of trials to get the boys and girls match fit for the season proper.
Andrew Choice, the club’s media man and rugby correspondent for the South West Voice, says the focus has been on retaining the exciting core of players that took Harlequins to the Sydney Women’s 2nd division premiership and a narrow loss in the men’s Illawarra first grade final last year.
“While there have been some inevitable losses of players across the club, Harlequins never rebuild, they only reload,’’ he says.
“The playing group is looking strong drawing upon our junior development and the talent in the local area.’’
He says the Harlequins have an open invitation to anyone who may be interested in playing rugby for the club in 2025 and beyond.
“While the next three week is an opportunity to prepare for the season it is also a great opportunity to come down to the showground and have a look at what is going on – if you are interested in playing please come down and have a look and introduce yourself – new players are always welcome and volunteers are always enthusiastically welcomed,’’ he said.
The pre-season trial schedule starts this Saturday, March 22, with men’s matches against Australian Police and Tech Tahs. Kick-off is at 2pm. The ladies have an internal trial on that day.
The legendary social side of rugby is never far away at the Harlequins, with an after match function at the Campbell Hotel.
A week later, on Saturday, March 29, the ladies will take on Eastern suburbs at 11am, followed by the men’s clash with Central Coast -Warner Vale at 12.30pm. The day will finish with Harlequin under 18s taking on Illawarra Barbarians.
And finally on April 5 Harlequins will host Sydney Kentwell cup stalwarts Petersham.
“This will be a feast of Rugby with five games, including both men’s and women’s across all grades,’’ adds Andrew Choice.
For those who are keen to play in the famous Harlequin jersey, pop down to Campbelltown Showground and have a training run on Tuesdays at 6.30pm. Or visit during one of the next three Saturdays.
