Rugby podcasters Will and Michael Wood give us a round-up of Harlequins news…
June 26th 2021. Not a day Harlequins fans will forget in a hurry. Harlequins winning the Premiership for the first time since 2012. What made it even more amazing was the journey to the final. ‘The Miracle of Bristanbul’ – perhaps the greatest game of domestic rugby this country has ever seen. Harlequins were dead and buried at half time against the standout team in the league all season, and after 110 minutes of rugby, Harlequins had earnt their place in the final, just 0.6 miles over the road at ‘The Big Stoop’. The 500 travelling supporters at Ashton Gate that day witnessed something quite remarkable.
Memories of the 2012 final are some of the most poignant that Harlequins supporters have. With this year’s final only having a crowd of 10,000, so many of those that went in 2012 didn’t have the chance to watch their side play in another final. Not something anyone involved with the club will take for granted.
The day was always going to be different to any other year, but a year in which Harlequins make a Premiership Final is no normal year. The walk from The Stoop across the A316, with fans lining the streets, is almost as memorable as the game. For some, the first time they’d seen the players in over a year. For Will & I, the rest of the day is a bit of a blur. The final ebbed and flowed right into the dying minutes.
Celebrating inside and outside of The Stoop with players, staff, coaches, and fans is something neither of us will ever believe actually happened. CEO Laurie Dalrymple addressed those inside the ground later that evening. He described the club as one that is connected by great people and great fans. We now have the trophies to show for it, in both the Men’s & Women’s competitions. Double Champions.
It’s been a strange year, but a great one too. And with announcements of new signings, new coaches, and packed-out stadiums to return, we can’t wait to do it all again.
Michael Wood
harlequinspod@gmail.com