Rugby Big Game 9
Harlequins Rugby Union Day Out. Harlequins vs Gloucester. We went to review this game on 27 December an annual event at Twickenham with a crowd in festive mood.
We earlier had a disaster that one of our group broke her leg in December, so we had the opportunity to see how they would cater for a disability. The leg was non-weight bearing and required a wheelchair. Brilliant people at Quins took this in their stride and changed the tickets for us.
A big cheerful crowd of about 80,000 people milling around. We picked up our tickets easily and wheeled through to the disabled areas on ground level. We all sat together in a row with the wheelchair backed into one of the many marked spaces. Fireworks and fire plumes with parachutists and music all heightened the atmosphere. A large contingent from Gloucester were noisy in their support. The mixed friendly crowd gave a great family atmosphere with spectators of all ages.
The Quins announcer soon had us all singing about the Mighty Quins and I know the children near us were having a fun time. Adults could get their beers and children soft drinks and snacks.
The Rugby Game
It did not take long to get caught up in the game. Superb athletes competing for that ball. Rugby is a great TV sport but the collisions and the effort is far more appreciated live and adds to the excitement. Being close to the action and with a match that ebbed and flowed all added to the atmosphere. Grounds these days have big screens for action replays, especially scoring and major incidents.
There were many parents with children explaining the game to them and to friends who were not regular followers. The friendly crowd had lots of strangers chatting.
It really was an enjoyable experience. Its easy to see how popular professional rugby has become as an event for all the family as they obviously cater for all, and none better than Harlequins.
Harlequins is one of the most exciting rugby clubs in Europe, and this year celebrates its 150 year anniversary. Many of its talented players including the likes of Danny Care, Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown are also key members of the England national rugby team.
The home of the Harlequins is the Twickenham Stoop, just across the road from the home of English Rugby, Twickenham Stadium. The 14,800 all-seater stadium has been offering a safe, atmospheric and family friendly environment to watch the Quins play since 1963.
Of note; the Big Game 9 fixture mentioned is an annual, one-off event like none other. In addition to a thrilling rugby match, there is off field entertainment – which include stunning pyrotechnic displays, unique match ball deliveries and entertainment performances from the likes of Rudimental, Olly Murs, Lawson, Killer Queen, Pineapple Dance Group, The Rat Pack and X-Factor Winners Matt Cardle and Sam Bailey – and an attendance of over 70,000 at the Twickenham Stadium, making Big Game 9 a great family day out.
Please see dates and information of upcoming rugby games below:
- 07/01/17 Harlequins v Sale Sharks (Twickenham Stoop Stadium)
- 24/02/17 Harlequins v Leicester Tigers (Twickenham Stoop Stadium)
- 25/03/17 Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons (Twickenham Stoop Stadium)
- 15/04/17 Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs (Twickenham Stoop Stadium)
For more information go to www.quins.co.uk