HARLEQUINS, a club for ALL

Harlequins Sports Club in Timaru is more than a place to play sport. It is a proud, welcoming and hard-working community built around rugby, netball, family and belonging. Known as “a club for all”, Harlequins brings together men’s and women’s rugby teams, a strong JAB section for young players, and senior netball teams that continue to grow the club’s presence across South Canterbury.

The modern Harlequins story began in 1998, when the Zingari and Star rugby clubs amalgamated to create a stronger future for rugby in Timaru. Since then, the club has built an impressive record on the field, with Premier, Premier Reserve and Premier Women’s teams representing Harlequins with pride in South Canterbury competitions. The revival and growth of women’s rugby has become an important part of the club’s recent journey, showing the club’s commitment to creating opportunities for players across all ages and stages.

Harlequins is also strengthened by its JAB section, where tamariki and rangatahi learn the game, build confidence and develop lifelong friendships. Notably, Black Ferns Sevens star Jorja Miller developed her foundational skills in the Harlequins JAB section. The junior players are a vital part of the club’s future, supported by parents, coaches, volunteers and whānau who give their time on and off the field. Many young players begin their journey in JAB and go on to contribute to the senior club, carrying the Harlequins spirit with them.

Netball has become another important chapter in the Harlequins story. After joining the club in the early 2000s, the senior netball division helped broaden Harlequins’ identity from a rugby club into a wider sports club. The netball teams have enjoyed success in both Premier and Senior grades, adding to the club’s proud tradition of commitment, teamwork and competitive spirit.

A major strength of Harlequins is its huge Pasifika community. Pasifika players, families and supporters bring energy, culture, faith, music, food, service and strong family values into the heart of the club. Their contribution is seen not only in the way teams play, but in the way people look after one another, celebrate together and create a warm, vibrant club environment. At Harlequins, sport is about more than results; it is about connection, whānau, pride and giving everyone a place to belong.

The clubrooms on Church Street, purchased in 2008 and opened ahead of the 2009 season, have become the centrepiece of the club. They provide a place for members, families and visitors to gather after trainings and games, share stories, celebrate milestones and support one another. The move of training grounds from Morrison Park to Ashbury Park also helped the club grow alongside the Timaru Cricket Club, strengthening facilities for rugby, cricket and other sporting codes.

Today, Harlequins Sports Club stands as a proud example of what community sport can be. Its history is built on the coming together of clubs, codes, families and cultures. Its future is carried by every player who pulls on the jersey or bib, every volunteer who gives their time, every parent on the sideline, and every supporter who helps make Harlequins a place where people feel proud to belong.

• SENIOR RUGBY
• PREMIER: Brett Jenkins 027 2591614
• PREM.R: Sala Laulu 027 3209976
• WOMEN: Chloe Wilson 027 6861565

• JAB RUGBY
•  Sean Flannery 027 3358376

• NETBALL 
• Lucy Mehrtens 027 3485247
• Club Hire enquires:
• Grant George 021 1541792​
• ​​​​​​​grant.george2022@gmail.com