Our Heritage
Harlequin Rugby Club (Quins) traces its proud heritage back to 1902. Just after the Anglo-Boer War, young men recruited from the Cape to join the new Transvaal Civil Service in Pretoria decided to form a rugby club to meet their sporting needs. They named it the Civil Service Club, playing in white jerseys with red lettering and blue shorts.
From the outset, the team competed against leading Johannesburg and Pretoria clubs, as well as the “New Zealanders” — men who had settled in Pretoria after the war and formed their own rugby side.
Soon, however, the Civil Servants realized that limited membership and frequent staff transfers posed challenges. At a Special General Meeting, the committee proposed opening membership beyond the Civil Service and adopting a new identity. The motion was seconded by Mr. J.E. Partridge — who later became the club’s first Springbok — and the name Harlequin Rugby Club was born. Permission was granted to use the London Harlequin colours and logo, and since 1903 we have proudly played in our present kit.
Two historical facts underscore our legacy:
- London Harlequin was a founding member of the original Rugby Football Union (RFC) that shaped the rules of the game.
- Our club’s roots therefore connect directly to the very origins of rugby as we know it today.
Quins is more than a team — it is a tradition, a community, and a legacy that has shaped rugby in South Africa for over a century.
Youth Rugby
In 1967, Harlequin established South Africa’s first Youth Rugby Club, designed to provide coaching to English-speaking players who did not play rugby at primary school. This pioneering step inspired the creation of other youth clubs in Pretoria and beyond, and Harlequin played a key role in forming the Youth Association at the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.
We also became the first youth club in South Africa to tour overseas, visiting England in the 1980s and competing in the Rugby World Youth Tournament in France. Since then, Harlequin Youth Rugby Club tours abroad includes Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Today, we continue to:
- Play rugby across Gauteng
- Tour nationally every year
- Host international teams, enriching the experience of our players
After this other Youth Clubs like Pretoria, Municipality, Oostelikes and Noordelikes followed. Harlequin Rugby Club was however the force behind the formation of the Youth Association at the Blue Bull Rugby Union. The main purpose was to provide rugby coaching to mainly English-speaking players who did not play rugby at primary school.
Harlequin Youth was and is still the biggest and most successful Youth Club in Blue Bull country and nationally. First Youth Club in South Africa to undertake an overseas tour when they toured England in the 80s and participate in the Rugby World Youth Tournament in France. Subsequently, Harlequins Youth Club toured Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Vision
To be the preferred youth rugby club in Pretoria — a home for all players and supporters, regardless of gender or background. Harlequin Youth Rugby will be respected on and off the field by providing a well-managed, dynamic, and fun environment where families, players, and the community can take pride, and where the game of rugby is honoured.
Our Timeline
Over a century of tradition, excellence, and rugby development.
1903
Club Founded
Harlequin Rugby Club was founded in Pretoria as the Civil Service Club.
1903
Name Change
The club adopted the Harlequin name, colours, and logo with permission from London Harlequin Club.
1967
Youth Club Established
Harlequin Youth Club was founded and became a pioneer in South African youth rugby.
1980s
International Tours
The youth club toured England, France, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil.
1995
World Cup Success
Kitch Christie, with Harlequin roots, coached the Springboks to World Cup victory.
2019
Historic Achievement
Harlequin fielded 16 junior teams, including 2 girls teams.
Today
Legacy Continues
Developing future champions through passion, inclusion, and excellence.