This March, Saracens and Harlequins will go head-to-head in The Showdown 3 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A somewhat unlikely location for a rugby match, but the fixture itself offers a more familiar situation.
The first recorded encounter between Saracens (or Sarries) and Harlequins (or Quins) dates back to 1909, over a century ago. Both clubs have a long and rich history, the Quins founded in 1866 and Sarries in 1876 – just ten years apart – but it was several years until their first head to head. And, ever since, the two teams have faced each other on numerous occasions, with matches often producing intense and closely fought rivalry.
The earlier matches saw the Saracens emerge as the dominant team, with a series of victories over the Harlequins. However, the Quins soon began to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with and by the 1960s Harlequins had regained their position as a dominant force in English rugby, winning the RFU Club Competition (now known as the Premiership) in ’63.
It was over 3 decades later, in the 1994/5 season, that the tables started to turn, with the introduction of the professional league. In the 1997/98 season they came second in the Premiership, but that success was short-lived and, although some of the world’s leading players such asSouth Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning captain Francois Pienaar, French great Philippe Sella and Australian Michael Lynagh to name a few, starred in the Saracen’s line up through to the start of a new millennium, it wasn’t until 2007/08 and into 2009 that the team were ranking close to the top of the table.
The turn of the millennium also marked a turbulent time for Quins, who were relegated following the 2004/05 season. It seems the relegation hit hard and Harlequins fought tirelessly in the following season losing only 1 of 26 games, leading to a promotion back to the Premiership by the 2006/07 season.
Thereafter, encounters between Saracens and Harlequins were marked by hard-hitting tackles, spectacular tries, and moments of high drama, with rivalry between the two teams growing and both enjoying success in domestic and European competitions. Matches between the two teams have since become must-see fixtures in the Premiership rugby calendar, with tickets selling out well in advance of each fixture.
In 2011 Saracens won their first Premiership Rugby title and just a year later, one of the most memorable encounters between the Saracens and Harlequins took place, when the two teams met at Twickenham Stadium. In a fiercely contested match and to a record breaking rugby union crowd, the Harlequins emerged as the victors at 24-19. Quins then went on to win their first-ever Premiership title sparking wild celebrations among their fans.
Despite the intensity of the rivalry, there is also a sense of mutual respect between the two teams, with players and fans acknowledging the skill and commitment of their opponents. It’s not unusual to find fans of the opposing teams sharing conversation after the match. This has helped to ensure that matches between the Saracens and Harlequins are always played in a spirit of fierce but fair competition.
There’s no doubt that the history of matches between the Saracens and Harlequins is a rich and storied one, marked by some of the most exciting and dramatic moments in the history of Premiership rugby – most notably in recent years. With both teams continuing to compete at the highest levels of the sport, it is clear that this fierce and longstanding rivalry is set to continue and produce even more nail-biting action for years to come.
Whichever team you back, The Showdown 3 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 23 March is going to be highly competitive and a must-attend for rugby fans. As an official OTA for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Keith Prowse is delighted to offer official premium experiences for this Harlequins v Saracens fixture – the perfect way to elevate a day at the rugby and allow you to soak up the electric atmosphere in style.
