Why are Harlequins Rugby Shirts quartered?
The Harlequins rugby shirts are quartered as a nod to the club’s history and its name. The name “Harlequins” refers to a character often seen in traditional pantomimes, known as a harlequin, who is a waggish trickster or court jester.
Historically, these characters wore quartered clothing. When the club was reconstituted from Hampstead FC into Harlequins FC, the decision was made to keep the HFC monogram.
As they were looking for a new name beginning with ‘H’, Harlequins was suggested and quickly became the most popular choice. The quartered colours – chocolate brown, French grey, magenta, and brown – are extrovert and colourful, reflecting the vibrant and outgoing nature of the Harlequin character. This unique design has become a defining feature of the club, making their shirts instantly recognizable in the world of rugby.