Harlequins today launched its 150th anniversary season and commemorative kit in the clubhouse where the Club was officially founded in 1866.
David Ellis, Harlequins Chief Executive commented: “We are very proud of our rich heritage and are looking forward to celebrating that throughout the season and bringing it to life for the whole Harlequins family.
“It feels like a new era for us with our five year plans now firmly in place and John Kingston as our new Director of Rugby. We are excited for the season ahead and bringing our past, present and future together as we continue to build our legacy and celebrate, once again, this amazing Club.”
Founded as Hampstead Football Club, the team changed its name two years later to Harlequin FC. The term Harlequins was settled on after a search through the dictionary and a discussion over the meaning of the name, which fully supports the Harlequins style of play.
The 150th season range of playing and training kit, designed by adidas, aims to connect Harlequins’ past, present and future in a unique year. The home shirt recognises the evolution of the iconic quarters design over the years and is inspired by a number of details from jerseys since 1866, including a white collar, muted tones, diamond detail in the socks and a shielded crest.
The away kit represents Harlequins as the modern club while the training kit is a nod to the Club’s permanent home in London.
Lee Gibbons, Director – Sports Marketing, from adidas commented: “adidas is immensely proud to be part of such a historic landmark for Harlequins in celebrating their 150th Anniversary. We have worked with the Club to mark this occasion by producing a truly stand out kit that has taken its design inspiration from a century and a half of heritage. From the colours through to the detailing, we have ensured that the Club’s new home and away kits for the 2016/17 season have the potential to be future classics, loved by players and supporters alike.”
Harlequins Captain Danny Care added: “We are so excited as a team to be wearing the retro kit this season as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. The quarters is an iconic design that has evolved since 1866, and always remains at the core of any of our home playing strips.
“As a squad we are really looking forward to the forthcoming season and working with John in his new role as Director of Rugby, whilst representing the quarters and doing our supporters and the Club proud as we celebrate this milestone.”
Throughout the 2016/17 season Harlequins will host a series of commemorative events to celebrate the Club’s heritage and to raise vital funds for the Harlequins Foundation.
In addition the official illustrated history of the Club will be documented through the publication of a book and Harlequins past and present will share their memories in a 45 minute television documentary.