Harlequins extend partnership with Mie Honda Heat
The premiership rugby club have renewed their strategic international partnership with Japanese Rugby League One side Mie Honda Heat.
The partnership, which first began in 2020, will continue to focus on knowledge sharing across all areas of the clubs, alongside player and coach development opportunities and other growth initiatives.
The collaboration has included numerous player and coaching exchanges. Harlequins coaches, including Skills Coach Gerard Mullen, have travelled to Japan to support the team, while Mie Honda Heat coaches have visited The Stoop. Mie Honda Heat’s squad has also joined Harlequins for pre-season training in England, and most recently, players Riku Kitahara and Kyogo Okano spent a month with the London-based club as part of an exchange programme.
Several high-profile players have also featured for both clubs in recent seasons, including Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen, flanker Will Evans, and Italian international Tommaso Allan.
Earlier this year, the Japanese club hosted the first Harlequins Festival in Suzuka, which was attended by Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple and senior players Jack Walker and Tom Lawday.
Laurie Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer, Harlequins, said, “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Mie Honda Heat. This is a fantastic relationship which has delivered huge value for both clubs. We have seen the benefits of our partnership with the development of our players and coaches, and the sharing of best practice and IP. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Mie Honda Heat and achieving further success together.“
Tomoaki Shinohara, General Manager, Mie Honda Heat, said, “We are very pleased to renew our partnership with Harlequins. We have built a strong relationship over the past four years and have been impressed with their rugby programme and club philosophy. We have learnt a great deal from their expertise and experience and look forward to achieving our goals and objectives together.“
This news coincides with Harlequins renewing their partnership with mobility payment specialists Kuba, who continue as an official club partner with a particular focus on supporting the women’s programme ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season.
Laurie Dalrymple, Chief Executive, Harlequins, said, “We’re pleased Kuba has renewed as official club partner, especially for our women’s programme ahead of a huge year for the sport. We believe the Red Roses’ triumph at a hugely successful Women’s Rugby World Cup can drive the PWR to new heights this season and we’re delighted Kuba has committed to the journey with us.”
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