Harlequins Rugby Football Club, commonly known as Quins, have come under scrutiny due to their high borrowing of £48 million in the 2021 financial year.
According to private equity director Mike Ryan, this is a concerning development for the club as their structure is an unsustainable model and has never made a profit.
"At the moment, this is heading for disaster. The overall competition is still losing money. It is professional on the field and semi-professional at best off the field. That is the biggest problem that rugby is facing globally, in my view,” Ryan told the Telegraph.
Despite Quins’ financial issues, a number of other clubs, particularly Exeter and Gloucester, continue to perform well financially. Quins are now cutting back on spending, with as many as 12 players leaving this summer.
Even their star player, Marcus Smith, has admitted that he may need to leave the club in the near future. Smith, who is reckoned to be on around £400,000 a year at Quins plus £250,000 from England appearances, stated that he wants to experience different cultures and leagues when the time is right.
“Two clubs [Wasps and Worcester] have folded which is never a good sign for the game in the Premiership. If you look across to the Top 14, you see the dominance they have in Europe – that’s mainly down to the salary cap, which is a huge topic.
"If they’ve got more resources and finances to build their squads they’re probably going to be in a better position to win those tournaments. I’ve never personally been further than the round of 16.
"When I was younger, I drew in my notebook that I want to win the Heineken [Champions] Cup, and to do that here in England is extremely tough, and for me, that’s a big draw,” said Smith.
Meanwhile, Quins have only signed four players, with England lock Joe Launchbury being the standout name. The club appears to be in a difficult position, and their financial struggles could have wider implications for the sport.
HARLEQUINS DEPARTURES:
#1. Aaron Morris (retiring)
The 28-year-old will be retiring at the end of the season, following a series of serious injuries which have seen him side-lined for much of the last two seasons.
Commenting on his departure, Morris said: “This has been a very difficult decision and made with a heavy heart. The last two seasons have been incredibly challenging as I have battled with multiple serious injuries, bringing both physical and emotional pain.
Aaron Morris of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Harlequins at Welford Road, Leicester on Sunday 4th October 2020 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK/Gallagher
"It is time for me to find the joy that rugby once gave me in something else. Whilst my career is shorter than I would have liked, I retire proudly with Premiership winners medal and as a Junior World Champion. I want to thank the Club, my teammates, the supporters and my family for all their support. I hope I have made them proud”.
Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “We will be sorry to see Aaron go. He has been desperately unlucky with injuries and while his career has been shorter than we all would have liked, he can feel very proud of his achievements in the Quarters.
"We are always sorry to see good men leave our club and Aaron’s departure will leave a massive hole. We wish him all the best for the future knowing with his capabilities he will transition successfully and will probably be an exemplar for other players”.
#2. Tommaso Allan (Perpignan)
After joining the South West London club at the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Allan will return to Perpignan for a second stint at the club.
In a statement, the club said: "Harlequins wish Allan the best in the next step in his rugby career and looks forward to finishing the current campaign with the Italian international in the Famous Quarters."
#3. Wilco Louw (Bulls)
Louw, who joined Harlequins in September 2020, has amassed 49 appearances in the famous Quarters, including scoring a try when helping Harlequins win the Gallagher Premiership in June 2021 in a memorable 40-38 win over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham stadium.
In a statement, the club said: "Wilco will leave with the best wishes of the Club and we all now look forward to the remaining 8 months of his Harlequins career as we compete in the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup."
#4. Josh Bassett (Leicester Tigers)
Bassett will join Leicester Tigers this summer following the end of his short-term Quins contract.
Joining the Club in October from Wasps, Bassett joined Harlequins on a temporary deal until the end of the current season and will return to the Midlands with Leicester.
So far this season Bassett has represented Harlequins on nine occasions across the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup, scoring three tries.
Commenting on the news of his next move at the end of the season, Bassett said: “Joining Harlequins has been a fantastic experience and I’m enjoying training and playing with this squad every day.
“While I am excited for the new challenge with Leicester next season and returning to my family in the Midlands, I’m looking forward to the rest of the campaign with Quins. This is an exciting squad that plays a great brand of rugby and I’m looking forward to finishing the season strongly in the Quartered jersey.”
#5. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais)
Marchant will depart the Club following nine years at The Stoop, after joining the Senior Academy set-up in 2014 and making his senior debut the following year.
The 26-year-old back soon became a regular feature within the starting XV, earning over 130 appearances in the Famous Quarters to date and being an integral part of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership winning side.
Marchant went on to achieve international recognition with England as well as working with Harlequins to develop a short-term loan spell with Super Rugby outfit the Auckland Blues in 2020 to develop his experience and skills.
Commenting on his departure at the end of the season, Marchant said: “I am very proud and grateful to have been part of Harlequins for the last 10 years. I’ve made some amazing memories on and off the field and made great friends along the way. This club has been a home to me and will always have a place in my heart.
“The time has come for me to depart the Club and I am excited for my next challenge ahead. I will make the most of every moment for the rest of this season proudly wearing my Quins shirt.
“Thank you for all the support!”
#6. Charlie Matthews (Released)
The Academy graduate, who re-joined Harlequins in August following two years in Japan, has appeared eight times this season to take his Club tally to 172 matches.
Matthews amassed 164 appearances in the Famous Quarters between 2009 and 2018, earning 109 starts before moving to Premiership rivals Wasps ahead of the 2018/19 season. The 6ft 7’ forward achieved 27 appearances for Quins and Wasps in the Champions Cup and represented England at Saxons and age-group level.
Head Coach Tabai Matson thanked Charlie and said: “We’re massively grateful to Charlie for stepping back into the Harlequins programme this season and for contributing a huge amount to our Club. He has been an outstanding Harlequins ambassador and we’re thankful for the commitment and service he has shown.
“I know our fantastic supporters have loved having Charlie back at The Stoop, he’s an Academy graduate and a Club centurion and will always remain part of the Harlequins family. We wish Charlie and his family the very best for an exciting next chapter.”
#7. Ross Chisholm (Retiring)
The 32-year-old, who has amassed 128 Harlequins appearances, will hang up his boots after a glittering 14-year career in the Famous Quarters.
An electric and versatile back three player, Chisholm started his career at Haywards Heath, before earning selection in the Harlequins Academy, making his senior debut in 2009.
Cillian Redmond of London Irish challenges for a high ball with Ross Chisholm of Harlequins from kick-off during the Premiership Rugby Cup match between London Irish and Harlequins at The Brentford Community Stadium, London on 18 March 2022 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
Chisholm soon became a regular squad member helping Quins win the European Challenge Cup in 2011, the Aviva Premiership in 2011/12, Gallagher Premiership in 2020/21 and the LV Cup in 2012/13.
In May 2019, Chisholm achieved his milestone 100th Harlequins cap against Worcester Warriors, before earning three further appearances during the victorious 2020/21 season. Alongside his playing career, Chisholm was appointed the Harlequins Women Skills Coach, joining the coaching set-up in August 2022.
Speaking on his retirement, Chisholm said: “I have a huge amount of pride to have played for my boyhood club. I remember as a 10-year-old sitting in the stands and watching Keith Wood score a try for Harlequins. As a local lad that really sparked my love for the Club and my desire to want to play for Quins.
“I am sad to be hanging up my boots but immensely grateful for the amazing memories I have experienced at the Club. Having the opportunity to play alongside my brother James, and being privileged to play in some incredible triumphs, winning two Premierships, the LV Cup and European Challenge Cup.
“To my family, my wife, children and friends, thank you for supporting me through thick and thin. To the Quins faithful, the supporters who have travelled far and wide to support the Club, thank you for the amazing memories.”
#8. Scott Steele (Edinburgh)
Steele, 29, who joined Harlequins in July 2020, has amassed 30 appearances in the Quarters and scored 8 tries. He was a member of the Harlequins squad to win the Gallagher Premiership in June 2021 and has 4 Scotland appearances to date.
Steele said: “During the three years that I’ve played for Harlequins, I’ve made some amazing memories and met friends for life.
"As well as being involved in the Premiership winning team, Quins played a big part in fulfilling my dream to represent Scotland. I wish Harlequins all the best for next season and would like to extend a special thank you to the Physios and Strength & Conditioning staff for getting me back on the field after my injuries.
"I’m now looking forward to heading back to Scotland for a new challenge, particularly after spending 12 years playing in England”.
#9. Viliami Taulani
Tongan flanker Viliami Taulani joined Harlequins ahead of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season and has achieved 16 appearances for the Club. The 26-year-old made his Harlequins debut against Northampton Saints in 2021, before earning another 15 appearances. Taulani has also featured on loan at London Scottish in the Championship.
#10. Jack Stafford
Scrum-half Jack Stafford signed from Munster in August 2020 and has since made nine appearances for Harlequins. Stafford made his Quins debut in the European Challenge Cup fixture against Ulster in April 2021 and has also spent time on loan at Championship club Richmond. The 25-year-old featured for Ireland U20 during the 2017 Junior World Championship.
#11. Conor Oresanya
Wing Conor Oresanya graduated into the Senior Harlequins’ Academy ahead of the 2021/22 season and made his Quins debut in the Premiership Cup fixture against London Irish in September 2022. Oresanya has since made three Club appearances and has also featured on loan at London Scottish. The 20-year-old has represented England U19 and U20.
#12. Rhys Litterick
Prop Rhys Litterick has made six Harlequins appearances since joining the Senior Academy from Worthing RFC. The Welsh qualified tighthead has also featured on loan at London Scottish and Esher RFC in National League 1.
