John Kingston hails record ticket sales ahead of 'Big Game 9' against Gloucester

Harlequins rugby director John Kingston was extremely pleased after more than 70,000 tickets were sold ahead of their Aviva Premiership clash against Gloucester at Twickenham on Tuesday.

The Quins have swapped their home game at Stoop to Twickenham for their annual trip across the road and it is the ninth such year they have done it - hence the game is being described as 'Big 9'.

Including the Big 9 game, Harlequins are set to play three games in the next 12 days which includes two home matches and Kingston wants his team to gain momentum.

"The coming three matches against Gloucester, Worcester and Sale Sharks will very much shape our season going forward," he said.

"And it is absolutely crucial that we take advantage of the two home matches, which includes Big Game 9.

"It is always an unbelievable occasion. Twickenham is a spectacular stadium to play in, and to get more than 70,000 in attendance to a club match is seriously impressive.

"Last year's match was an incredibly exciting one, and I am sure both sides will be doing the best they can to make it an occasion which suits the grand nature of Twickenham Stadium."

The game will also see the return of former England skipper Chris Robshaw while Joe Marler is set to make his 100th appearance.

Currently both Harlequins and Gloucester Rugby are level on 23 points but separated by points difference. The winner here has a chance to make it to the top six and Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys knows the importance of the contest.

"We've known that this period over Christmas is going to provide some pretty unique challenges in terms of a 10-day break (after La Rochelle) into a five-day break and then into a six-day break.

"It will test the depth of our squad and means there won't be a huge amount of time spent on the training pitch. It has been more about getting ready for Harlequins, and then recovering and getting ourselves best prepared physically and mentally for Northampton and Worcester.

"It (Big Game 9) is a wonderful occasion to be part of, something a lot of our players enjoyed last year.

"We have players with a lot of international experience who have played in big games, so they will be looking forward to getting back to Twickenham.

"Last year was a pretty spectacular game, with 10 tries in total. I'm not sure this year will be a similar game, but will hopefully have a different result."