Twickenham Q&A with Marcus Smith
Ahead of Harlequins' Big Summer Kick-Off on Saturday 27th April, we interviewed England and Quins fly-half Marcus Smith, about his favourite rugby memories and what it's like to play at the iconic Home of England Rugby, both for his club and country.
What is your best Twickenham Stadium memory as a player?
Twickenham Stadium is a special place and I'm lucky to be able to play there with my club and country, but one of my favourite memories was my debut for Quins against London Irish. It was a double header when I was 18. Playing at Twickenham in front of fans, friends and family is always amazing, and it was truly special moment to represent boyhood club there for the first time.
What was your first experience at Twickenham as a fan?
When I was younger I used to get a few tickets for the Autumn internationals as a fan, and I especially remember watching England play South Africa there and watching the likes of Danny (Care), Joe (Marler) and Joe (Launchbury) - these sort of guys - they're obviously my teammates now but back then it was a dream of mine to play for England, so to rub shoulders with these guys who I looked up to as a kid is really special and something that drove me to achieve my dreams.
What does it mean to you to play at Twickenham?
It's the Home of England Rugby, and as a proud Englishman myself I never take the opportunity to play at Twickenham for granted. I'm always super excited and so full of energy so always want to put my best foot forward for the team, be that England or Quins. It's a daunting place for the opposition whenever they come and we always try to make it as hostile as possible for them, but for us as the home team it's always special - you get looked after, the supporters are great and it's an amazing day.
If you had to sum up Twickenham in one word, what would it be and why?
Extravagant - it's massive and the noise in there is unbelievable. When the crowd gets behind you it's pretty special. We're very lucky.
What makes Harlequins matches at Twickenham so atmospheric?
Like I say, when the crowd gets behind you, it gives you so much energy. The family element and occasions with friends that Big Summer Kick-Off and Big Game have make them really special. It's a slightly different atmosphere to the Internationals - the crowd is a bit more jovial and relaxed - loads of fun for us as players, and no doubt fans in the stands too. The ability that Harlequins has to get world-class DJs and artists, like Jess Glynne this year, to perform and entertain the crowd is exciting as well, and really raising the bar.
You can see Marcus and his Harlequins team mates in action at Twickenham on Saturday 27 April at Big Summer Kick-Off, when they face Northampton Saints in what's looking to be a crucial tie in this year's Gallagher Premiership.
Alongside the rugby, you can enjoy seeing Jess Glynne perform before kick off, with Massaoke leading the afterparty in the British Airways West Fan Village from final whistle.
Tickets are available to book now from £35 for adults and £25 for children. Secure your tickets here.