[1] The Pretoria Harlequins started life as the Civil Service Club, but when the membership needed to be extended beyond the Civil Service, it was decided in February 1906 to change the name to "The Harlequin Rugby Club" and to ask for permission to use the London Harlequins colours and name.
The Pretoria Harlequins resemble the Barbarians more than an ordinary club.
[3] It has produced a number of internationals and has strong representation in other sports such as Cricket and Golf.
Pretoria Police Rugby Club was founded in 1922 and was the most successful team in the Blue Bulls Rugby Union Carlton League, winning the title on 31 occasions.
Prior to the formation of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (then called the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union) in 1938, Pretoria Police also played in the Pirates Grand Challenge League of the Golden Lions Rugby Union (then called the Transvaal Rugby Union), winning that competition on four occasions.