Harlequins
Harlequins are a men's rugby club founded in 1866 who play in the Gallagher Premiership (Tier 1). Their home ground is The Stoop, which holds 14,800.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| Founded | 1866 |
|---|---|
| League | Gallagher Premiership |
| Tier | Tier 1 |
| Head coach | Jason Gilmore |
| Home ground | Twickenham Stoop Stadium (The Stoop) |
| Capacity | 14,800 |
| Nearest station | Twickenham |
| Local derby | Saracens |
| Marquee fixture | Big Game - annual Twickenham showpiece |
| Matchday pub | The Cabbage Patch - most famous rugby pub |
| Official website | https://www.quins.co.uk |
Honours
- Gallagher Premiership champions in 2012 and 2021
Club history
Harlequins were founded as Hampstead Football Club in 1866 and renamed Harlequins in 1870 before becoming a founder member of the RFU in 1871.
The club won its first Premiership title in 2012 by beating Leicester Tigers at Twickenham and added a second in 2021 by overcoming defending champions Exeter Chiefs.
The 2009 Bloodgate scandal saw the club fined £260000 and director of rugby Dean Richards banned for three years after a faked blood injury against Leinster.
Harlequins play at the Twickenham Stoop named in honour of former player and president Adrian Stoop.
Seven Harlequins players started for England in the 1991 Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham including Will Carling and Jason Leonard.
Recent seasons
Harlequins finished sixth and then seventh in Danny Wilson's two seasons as head coach missing the play-offs both years.
Marcus Smith signed a new contract in December 2024 committing his future to Harlequins until at least 2028.
Jason Gilmore was confirmed as new head coach following Danny Wilson's departure to become a Wales assistant coach.
Tabai Matson's exit as head coach in 2024 was widely described as contentious.
Notable players
Club legends
- Will Carling
- Jason Leonard
- Nick Easter
- Chris Robshaw
- Mike Brown
- Danny Care
Current squad
- Marcus Smith
- Alex Dombrandt
- Cadan Murley
- Stephan Lewies
- Fin Baxter
- Andre Esterhuizen
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Every match Harlequins play holds a goldmine of detail. Framesports turns rugby footage into the analytics that actually matter and data that builds smarter game plans, collected by analysts and checked by humans. See how it works on the Framesports features page.
Frequently asked questions
When were Harlequins founded?
Harlequins were founded in 1866.
Where do Harlequins play?
Harlequins play at The Stoop, which holds 14,800. The nearest station is Twickenham.
What league do Harlequins play in?
Harlequins compete in the Gallagher Premiership, tier 1 of English rugby's league structure.
What have Harlequins won?
Harlequins's honours include Gallagher Premiership champions in 2012 and 2021.
Who are Harlequins's local rivals?
Harlequins's local derby is against Saracens.
Who is the Harlequins head coach?
Harlequins are coached by Jason Gilmore.
Other Gallagher Premiership clubs
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