Quins geared up for huge clash on the biggest stage

MONTHS ago, Harlequins bosses decided to move their final home game of the season across to Twickenham for a big summer celebration.

When they did so, they could not have dreamed there would be so much riding on their clash with Gloucester when they walk out at HQ tomorrow.

Quins are third, having not quite wrapped up their play-off spot, with Gloucester in fifth. Next week, Quins travel to Exeter, also chasing fourth in a thrilling race. Fail to win either match, and they likely miss out on the top four.

The west London club has sold out every match at The Stoop this year for the first time ever, but already approaching 50,000 tickets have been snapped up for tomorrow’s “Big Summer Kick Off” at Twickenham.

Craig David (right) will be performing, there is a community Sevens tournament running throughout the day, and the Quins’ club legends who won the Premiership a decade ago will be paraded before the crowd. As at their festive Big Game event, Quins players will prepare at The Stoop before making the short walk across to Twickenham.

“There is huge competitive edge to this game,” Quins CEO Laurie Dalrymple tells Standard Sport. “Summer rugby suits us, but Gloucester come with a similar identity, they have been fantastic all year.

“The Stoop is our home and we love it, but the opportunity to engage with more people, bring them into rugby and the national stadium is amazing.

“It’s our responsibility to get more people watching rugby. Rugby’s viewing audience is well connected to the international scene. They love watching Marcus Smith play for England.

“Our challenge is to spread the word so that more of those people come to watch the Premiership because, as it’s proved this year, the product is fantastic.”