Harlequins‘ annual “Big Game” has been moved from its typical festive slot to early March due to industrial action planned for the 27 December.
It means that their previous opponents Bristol Bears have been replaced by Exeter Chiefs, with the Twickenham date now set for the 4 March 2023.
The fixture has taken place every year since it was first held in 2008, excluding 2020 where the same opposition played at The Stoop due to Covid-19 restrictions on fans being allowed to attend sports events.
Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple said : “We are devastated to have to move Big Game 14 from its annual festive place in the calendar because of this strike action.
“We know how special this event is to our local community and this was due to be our biggest and best ever event.
“The scale of the closures across multiple key train stations, train lines and tube lines is unprecedented, and a much bigger impact than other recent smaller strikes on Twickenham match days.”
Having already sold over 70,000 tickets for the event, this will serve as another blow to a key revenue stream for a Premiership club, in addition to two home games being lost with the suspension of Wasps and Worcester Warriors.
The date appears to be the only upcoming opportunity for Quins to host a game at Twickenham, with more strikes planned for the weekend of their first Premiership home game of the new year against Sale on 8th January, and no more league home games scheduled until they play Exeter.
With the new date coming during the Six Nations – albeit during a rest week – several England players from both sides are unlikely to be available.
But Dalrymple was hopeful that most fans would opt to switch their tickets to the next game against the Chiefs rather than seek a refund.
He added: “We are happy to be able to offer a superb alternative plan for Big Game against great opposition as we take on Exeter Chiefs Men’s and Women’s team at the home of rugby on 4 March.
“All purchased tickets will be valid and we hope that our supporters will swap their tickets to the new event.
“We really need your support as Big Game is a critical part of the Club’s DNA and financial performance.”
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