Harlequins will be inspired rather than distracted by the party atmosphere surrounding the home game with Gloucester.

So says Will Collier, ahead of the match today (Saturday) which will mark the 50th anniversary of the west London club’s arrival at The Stoop in 1963.

The landmark occasion is expected to attract its fair share of pomp and ceremony, and according to Quins’ front row forward the plans off the field will only feed the spectacle on it.

He said: “The anniversary celebrations will add to the occasion. We are a big game team who rise to that sort of atmosphere, so it will inspire rather than distract us.”

Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown, Dan Marler and Danny Care are all back in the fold following England duty for the big occasion, and with Charlie Matthews having played his way back to fitness during the two recent LV Cup defeats, Collier senses his side are ready to make a pre-Christmas push.

He said: “It has been a tough start and we’ve had a lot of injuries, but now we can get a string of results together in what is a crucial phase leading up to Christmas.

“The England boys are back in this week, and it is like they have never been away. Plus with second rowers coming back as well, I think things are going to be fine.

“Nick Easter has done a great job filling in at second row, but he has been playing out of position, so having the regular boys back will make a difference, especially in the lineout.

“Gloucester have had a stumbling start, but I expect them to come flying into the game – and that’s exactly what our pack enjoys, a real forwards’ battle.”

Last Friday’s 31-26 defeat by Sale was the second in a row in the LV Cup for holders Quins, and puts their hopes of retaining the trophy on a knife edge.