During our long history the Harlequin Club has developed strong rivalries and associations with other clubs, which have led to annual matches within the VRU competition.

The Don Brooker Memorial Shield

Don Brooker made a big contribution to Victorian rugby through two clubs. First as coach with Kiwis from 1971 to 1975 and a very successful one leading them to a First Grade Premiership in 1973. He joined the Harlequin Club in 1985 because we had a flourishing junior program, which Kiwis didn't have and his sons Phil and Gordon wanted to play rugby.

Don went on to coach and become president of Harlequins in 1994 before his untimely death in 1995.  The Brooker family also made big contributions: Phil and Gordon on the field and Don's wife, Mary, off the field.

In 1998 the family suggested an annual game between Kiwi Hawthorn and the Harlequins to play for the Shield that they would provide.  This idea was immediately accepted by both clubs and is an annual event on the rugby calendar.  In 2005 Kiwi Hawthorn, who had become Boroondara, were relegated to second division and the teams did not play against each other until Boroondara returned to first division in 2007.

The Bruce Bailey Blazer

Bruce Bailey also made a big contribution to rugby.  As a player he was a NSW Country representative and went on to gain international honours as a Wallaby and played in the same team as our own David Shepherd.  Bruce was an important member of the Box Hill Club during 1974 and when we were looking for a new first grade coach for 1975 Bruce's name was mentioned. We approached him and he agreed.  In his three years as coach we won the Premiership in 1975 and were beaten in the 1976 Grand Final despite being minor premiers.  In 1998 he returned to Box Hill, became President and remained a stalwart of their club until his death in 1994.

To celebrate his contribution to the two clubs his widow, Beth, agreed to donate his Wallaby Blazer from his 1963 tour to South Africa as the trophy.

The Bott Bolton Trophy

The Melbourne Club has probably been our keenest rivals and closest associate club during our long history.  At our founding in 1928 a Melbourne Club representative was there to see what was going on and that representative was the grandfather of our current member, John Penwill. If you read the club history you will be able to see all of the connections

Rather than celebrate former members the two clubs decided to set up a challenge to recognise a 'legend' from each club so it was that the 'Bott Bolton Trophy Match' was introduced.

Charlie Bott was an exceptionally tough prop forward who dominated front row play for Melbourne and Victoria in the 1960's and 70's. Off the field he is a good bloke!!  Peter Bolton has had an extraordinary association with the Harlequin Club from a junior in 1956, countless senior games, including 92 in the Victorian Jersey, sevens successes, a Premiership and lots more.