Harlequins Women
Harlequins Women are a women's rugby club founded in 1995 who play in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) (Tier 1). Their home ground is The Stoop, which holds 14,800.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| Founded | 1995 |
|---|---|
| League | Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) |
| Tier | Tier 1 |
| Head coach | Ross Chisholm |
| Home ground | Twickenham Stoop Stadium (The Stoop) |
| Capacity | 14,800 |
| Nearest station | Twickenham |
| Local derby | Saracens Women (London derby) |
| Marquee fixture | Big Game at Allianz Stadium Twickenham |
| Matchday pub | The Cabbage Patch - classic rugby pub near station |
| Official website | https://www.quins.co.uk/teams/womens-team |
Honours
- 2020-21 Premier 15s champions
Club history
Harlequin Ladies F.C was founded in 1995 by former Oxford University players Kirstie Heslop and Vanessa Matthews.
The club won four consecutive league titles in the late 1990s before promotion to RFU Women's Division 1 in 2000.
Harlequins set a record attendance for a British women's club rugby match with 4837 spectators at The Stoop on 30 March 2019.
Harlequins won their first Premier 15s title in 2020-21 with a 25-17 victory over Saracens at Kingsholm.
Hooker Amy Cokayne was named Player of the Match in that 2021 final after scoring two tries.
Shaunagh Brown scored nine tries during the 2020-21 season.
Recent seasons
Ross Chisholm was promoted to Head Coach of the Harlequins Women's programme after one season as Attack and Transition Coach.
Scottish coach Chris Laidlaw joined Harlequins Women as Assistant Coach from the Scottish Rugby Union ahead of the 2024-25 PWR season.
Harlequins qualified for the play-offs in the 2024-25 PWR season alongside Gloucester-Hartpury but lost their semi-final 32-24 to Saracens at StoneX Stadium.
Shaunagh Brown Rachel Burford Emily Scott Katy Mew and Georgia Gray all retired at the end of the 2024-25 PWR season.
Notable players
Club legends
- Shaunagh Brown
- Rachael Burford
- Brittany Hogan
- Leanne Riley
Current squad
- Ellie Kildunne
- Aoife Wafer
- Lucy Packer
- Heather Cowell
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Frequently asked questions
When were Harlequins Women founded?
Harlequins Women were founded in 1995.
Where do Harlequins Women play?
Harlequins Women play at The Stoop, which holds 14,800. The nearest station is Twickenham.
What league do Harlequins Women play in?
Harlequins Women compete in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), tier 1 of English rugby's league structure.
What have Harlequins Women won?
Harlequins Women's honours include 2020-21 Premier 15s champions.
Who are Harlequins Women's local rivals?
Harlequins Women's local derby is against Saracens Women.
Who is the Harlequins Women head coach?
Harlequins Women are coached by Ross Chisholm.
Other Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) clubs
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