From supporter to player: McIntosh comes full circle at Big Game

Imagine growing up watching your favourite team in their biggest match of the year, to one day finding yourself in the starting line-up.

For Harlequins lock Fi McIntosh, playing in Big Game 17 against the Bristol Bears is a dream come true.

“If I went back and told little 10-year-old Fi that I’d be playing in that game one day, she wouldn’t believe me,” McIntosh said.

“I grew up with my family supporting Harlequins, literally since I was born. We’ve been coming to Big Game almost every year. I think the first one I went to was Big Game 4. It was an amazing occasion and a great day out in the middle of Christmas.

“The women starting to play in Big Game was amazing and now to be playing in one myself feels quite surreal. It’s a really cool opportunity and I’m very excited for it.”

Like many PWR players, McIntosh juggles a full-time job with her rugby career.

As a result, her week has been as much about trying not to get too focused on the rugby and instead keeping herself busy with her day job.

“Training this week has been good, but I also work in finance so I’m trying to not get too excited before I finish the day of work,” said McIntosh. “It’s nothing too exciting but it means I can play rugby.”

Growing up in a family of Harlequins fans, McIntosh had caused some strife at home when she joined Saracens back in 2020.

But following her summer move across London, her family are now able to support her once more with no reservations.

“Saracens are direct rivals, so my dad wasn’t best pleased when I first told him I’d signed there,” said McIntosh. “He’ll say to me now, you’re back where you belong and that’s what matters.”

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝟭𝟳 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗦 🎇

🇮🇪 First start for Wafer
🏃‍♀️ Torley on the right wing
🇪🇸 Delgado returns to the side

🔗 https://t.co/ShxjVINDwB

🚚 Delivered by @DHLRugbyUK #COYQ | #HARvBRI | #BigGame17 pic.twitter.com/E805XJ3act

— Harlequins Women 🃏 (@HarlequinsWomen) December 19, 2025

The 26-year-old certainly belongs at this level, and there is no bigger stage for Quins than the Big Game.

Held at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, and kicking off at 15.05, the women’s match could see a PWR record attendance.

It’s set to feature a host of intriguing match-ups, with the Bears’ Hannah Botterman facing off against World Cup-winning teammate Ellie Kildunne and Spanish superstar Claudia Pena.

Kildunne is coming off the back of a runner-up finish at Sports Personality of the Year 2025. McIntosh only has good things to say about her teammate.

“What an amazing achievement for EK,” she said. “To be the first women’s rugby player to ever even be nominated, never mind come second, is an outstanding achievement.

“Everyone in the team is so proud of her and in awe of what she’s done for women’s rugby as a whole.

“El always brings a bit of flair, even as her teammate you never quite know which way she’s stepping. One of the Quins philosophies is exciting rugby and I think you get that with those two [Kildunne and Pena] on the pitch together.”

Want to see your BBC Sports Personality of the Year Runner-Up at #BigGame17?

You can still grab your tickets for tomorrow's clash with Bristol at @allianz_stad here 👇

🔗https://t.co/HXWGVaMPKT#COYQ pic.twitter.com/1vPaIjYPio

— Harlequins Women 🃏 (@HarlequinsWomen) December 19, 2025

Getting to compete alongside such high-calibre players has been one of the things McIntosh has enjoyed most about her time at Quins so far. She has also appreciated meeting teammates from different cultures, many of whom compete at the international level.

A proud Scot, McIntosh gained her first cap in April 2024, against England in the Six Nations. She hopes experiences like the Big Game, and playing high-level rugby for Quins, will help her earn another call-up.

“I absolutely loved my experience playing for Scotland,” she said. “Being in Scotland camps is one of my favourite places. I’m quite happy and open to say I want to be back in that environment and pushing to play in the Six Nations and the autumn tests.

“I want to be seen as a threat in the lineout, someone who the rest of the team know is going to win them consistent ball in that area. I definitely want to be back in that Scotland set up as soon as I can, and I’m working hard to get myself there.”