About the Harlequins
Our Club
Our History
Following the formation of the Club in 1972, the club has competed in both the Sydney and Illawarra competitions.Over the years, the Quins have had an enormous level of success both on and off the rugby field and also had many disappointments. 1974 was the first success as 2nd Grade won the Illawarra Premiership. In 1977 the Harlequins had all 4 teams in the Sydney Sub-District Grand Finals at the old Sydney Sports Ground. We won 1st grade and 4th grade. In the 1980's we were runners up in lst grade 3rd Division, but Club Champions. The move back to Illawarra in the 1990's however witnessed the most successful era of the Quins. Starting in 1991 with the Under 19 premiership, the Club had teams in the Final series in each grade in every year until 1999. Winners in Under 19's, 2nd and 3rds at various times, culminated in winning the Club Championship and 1st grade in 1997. The success continued into the millennium again winning 1st Grade in 2001.Sydney Suburban Rugby beckoned and during those early 2000's the Quins again excelled. The Quins were now fielding 5 grades of senior teams and a Colts team. Initially in 2nd Division, the Club were Club Champions in 2005 and Minor Premiers in the same year. The Quins were voted the "best NSW Suburban Club" in 2003. The Club returned to the Illawarra District Rugby Union in 2015. Developing junior, mens and womens representatives since our 50th Anniversary in 2022. After covid and the hiatus for all community sport, the Club once again is rebuilding within both the Illawarra District and Sydney District competitions.
Our Values
ExcellenceWe strive for excellence in everything we do, constantly pushing ourselves to improve and achieve our best.
CaringWe foster a supportive and caring environment, ensuring that every member feels valued and appreciated.
LegacyWe honour the legacy of our club, respecting its history and traditions while building a future we can all be proud of.
CommunityWe build a strong sense of community, encouraging collaboration and camaraderie among all members.
RespectWe treat everyone with respect, valuing each person's contributions and perspectives.
Have FunWe believe in having fun and enjoying our time together, making our club a place of joy and laughter.
Our Committee
Name | Position | Email |
Col Packer | President | cjpacker1@gmail.com |
Andrew Choice | Vice President | thechoices123@gmail.com |
Paul Hughes | Treasurer | Paul.Hughes@det.nsw.edu.au |
Mary-Lou Henry | Secretary | marylou.henry79@yahoo.com.au |
Kam Faavae Eli | Club Coach | kfaavaeeli@gmail.com |
Luke Norton | Juniors Coaching Coordinator | norton.luke@bigpond.com |
Lisa King | Registar | lisa.king46@det.nsw.edu.au |
Life Members
Name | Year Awarded | Contribution to the Club |
Geoff HICKS | 1988 | Played in first Harlequin teams in early 1970’s. Inaugural President of Junior Rugby Club 1980-90. Life Member of Junior Rugby Club. President of Senior Club 1998. Coach of many Senior and Junior Harlequin teams including Premiership winning Colts team in 1994. |
Ray WILKINSON | 1990 | President of Club for 5 years -1980-1984. Oversaw the re-development of Showground and construction of current club house. Secretary of Sydney Rugby Union. |
Eddie HUGHES | 1990 | Player in early years of the Club during 1970’s. Secretary of Junior Rugby Club 1980-1994 (14 years). Staunch supporter of Junior Club and promotion of ex-junior players to grade. Life member of Junior Rugby Club. Past Committee member of both clubs for many years. |
Phil HAYWARD | 1990 | Ex player and coach in early years (1970’s). Club Secretary in late 1970’s-responsible for much of ground re-development and Club House construction. Long time supporter of Club. |
Bob DEAN | 1994 | Long standing player with the Club 1970 – 90’s. Played in excess of 400 games with the Club. Served on Committee many times during 1970’s and 80’s. Coached and mentored many players during his time. |
Phil GORDON | 1994 | Long standing player with the Club 1970 – 80’s with over 300 games. Coached Senior and Junior teams with distinction. Committee members over the years. |
Ron DELEVERE | 1994 | Long Serving member of the Harlequin Rugby Club. Was the driving force for the successful Harlequin Cricket Club in 1980’s. Club Secretary 1992-1994 and 1998-1999. Long time 1st Grade coach in late 1980’s and 1995, as well as Colts. |
Tony CARTWRIGHT | 1998 | Player with Club in 1970’s and 80’s. President of Junior Rugby Club for 5 years, President of Senior Club for 2 years. Life member of Junior Rugby Club. Past Committee member. Coached Junior Harlequin teams and Illawarra teams as well as managed Senior teams. |
Bill MUTTON | 1998 | Player with Club during 1970-80’s. Club Coach. Coached Senior teams, including 1st grade premiership team 1997. Long standing Club mentor and team supporter. |
Paul PARKINSON | 1998 | Player with Club during 1970-80’s. Club Coaching co-ordinator. Past Committee member on many occasions. Coached Senior teams, including 1st grade premiership team 1997. |
Harold STUART | 2001 | Player with Club during 1970’s. Club Coach, premiership winning 1st grade coach in 1970’s. Representative coach Sydney 2nd Division. Influential in re development of Showground in 1980’s with Phil Hayward and Ray Wilkinson. |
Terry BRADBURY | 2003 | Long serving player during 1980’s and Committee member of both Clubs. Junior Rugby Club President 1999-2002. Stalwart and passionate Life Member of Junior Rugby Club. Organiser of Friday night Mini Rugby. |
Shane KERR | 2006 | Player with Club during 1980-2000’s. Played over 300 games for Club. Coached and Managed grade teams and past Committee member over many years. |
Andrew CHOICE | 2012 | 1st Grade Coach & Coach in Junior Rugby Club over many years. |
Glen PACKER | 2014 | Long Standing player through Junior Rugby Club and Senior Club. Suburban Rugby representative. |
Col Packer | 2019 | Long time member of the Harlequins and the longest serving President. |
Owen Gregory | 2019 | Stalwart of the Harlelquin Rugby Club. Long standing player right through the grades over 250 games for the Club. First grade coach over many years. |
Club Song
You are my sunshineYou are my sunshine, my only sunshineYou make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know, dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine away
The other night, dear, as I lay sleepingI dreamed I held you in my armsBut when I awoke, dear, I was mistakenAnd I hung my head and I cried
You are my sunshine, my only sunshineYou make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know, dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine awayogie ogie ogieoi oi oiogie ogie ogieoi oi oiogieoiogieoiogie ogie ogieoi oi oi
The other night, dear, as I lay sleepingI dreamed I held you in my armsBut when I awoke, dear, I was mistakenAnd I hung my head and I cried
You are my sunshine, my only sunshineYou make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know, dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine awayogie ogie ogieoi oi oiogie ogie ogieoi oi oiogieoiogieoiogie ogie ogieoi oi oi