Alex King is hoping that Gloucester Rugby can make the 2000 supporters who will attend this Sunday’s game against Harlequins “proud” after Kingsholm has been permitted to allow a limited number of supporters to return to each game at Kingsholm.

Gloucester Rugby’s Attack Coach was on media duty earlier on in the week and discussed the return of supporters and the upcoming game against Harlequins.

On last week’s 40-24 win over Wasps

“We weren’t happy after Leicester obviously and it was important that we showed our true colours against Wasps and it was a performance built on a very strong defence. We got on top with our maul and I thought the boys performed very well to get the bonus point at home. We’re happy but we move on now to Harlequins.”

On facing Harlequins

“It’s very early in the season and there’s always things to work on. We understand the challenge that Quins will bring. To put away Saints last week and score 49 point away from home is a pretty good achievement and they’ll be riding high. Their big players are playing well for them and there’s a good spine to their team.

“Every week this league throws up a new tactical challenge but the boys are looking forward to it.”

The return of 2000 supporters

“It’s great. Kingsholm is just synonymous with having a passionate crowd and even though there’s only 2,000 of them, I’m sure they’ll make the noise of 18,000. I’m looking forward to the Gloucester Rugby cheers and it’s important that we put on a performance for them because it hasn’t been easy for anyone. The past nine months have been pretty tough and I think we’ll all look forward to seeing the back of 2020 and hopefully 2021 will bring a new lease of life for everyone in the country.

“For the 2000 lucky fans that get the chance to come in, we want to make them proud of Gloucester Rugby.”

The impact of support

“I played many times as a non-Gloucester player here and the crowd do make a difference! I missed a number of kicks here and got a number of Eeyore’s off the back of it and I’m looking forward to another number 10 getting those Eeyore’s this weekend!”

On Harlequins

“(Marcus Smith) is a player who thrives on the opportunities that present themselves in the game and he has a turn of speed, a chip game, a good passing game and a good relationship with Danny Care.

“That Care, Dombrandt, Smith, Brown axis has been really really strong for them and they are well coached by Paul Gustard and his coaching team. They were obviously disappointed after their first-round loss at home to Exeter Chiefs where they got found out in a few areas. I think they got it right against Saints and they’ll be highly motivated for this one.”

Press Notes | Alex King previews Harlequins

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