Harlequins announce weekend's clash against Newcastle as LGBTQ+ Pride game

Harlequins have announced that their 22nd round Gallagher Premiership fixture against Newcastle Falcons to be played on Saturday at Twickehnam Stoop will mark their second LGBTQ+ Pride game.

Taking place during internationally celebrated Pride Month, the first game happened during the 2019/20 season in February last year when the Quins hosted London Irish. The club also launched a LGBTQ+ Supporters Group earlier in the year.

The Club’s first LGBTQ+ Pride match represented an innovative step in the attempt to break down barriers and drive inclusivity. Building upon Premiership Rugby’s Rainbow Laces campaign with Stonewall, Quins became the first professional rugby club to host a LGBTQ+ Pride game.

“We are so proud to be able to host our second Pride-themed match as a Club this weekend," said Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple.

"While the initial plan would have been to host this match during LGBT+ History Month in February again this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic preventing us from hosting this event with fans, we are thankful to have the opportunity to demonstrate Harlequins’ continued support on June 12, which is Pride Month globally.

“This match is also the first opportunity for our newly formed LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Group to celebrate their formation in the final matchday of the 2020/21 season at The Stoop.

"We are thrilled to be able to champion the Club’s visible commitment to inclusivity hand-in-hand with the group in such a significant month for the LGBTQ+ community.”

With 12 wins from 21 games, Harlequins have already secured a place in the play-off in the ongoing Gallagher Premiership campaign.