Ulster’s Kingspan Stadium is no easy place to go but Paul Gustard believes Harlequins have just what it takes to deal with the raucous atmosphere.

Quins come into their Champions Cup clash buoyed by back-to-back victories over Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby, gaining momentum at a valuable time heading into the busy winter period.

And despite their Champions Cup Round One defeat against ASM Clermont Auvergne in France, Gustard’s side lie third in Pool 3, vying to topple an Ulster team who sit at the summit after two wins from two.

But while Kingspan Stadium boasts one of European rugby’s most formidable reputations, Gustard says his players will be more than up for the challenge.

“Games like this need no hype or incentive – we know the crowd are partisan and will create a terrific atmosphere,” he said.

“Ulster have a very proud record at the Kingspan and a strong history in this competition – they sit top of our group and are a side littered with internationals and foreign talent.

“It is exactly the kind of challenge you expect, and want, in rugby.

“We are looking forward to the game and embracing the contest.”

Gustard has had a turbulent experience this season as his team lost three games in a row at the beginning of November, recovering impressively to engineer a 15-9 European triumph over Bath and a similarly-tight 23-19 win over the Cherry & Whites in the Premiership.

And they now face two stern tests in Europe, playing Dan McFarland’s resurgent Ulster both home and away in the space of a single week.

But Gustard’s thoughts are centred solely on Saturday evening’s trip to north Ireland, where he also believes the officials will need to be at their best to remain in control of the contest.

“It’s a game which will require strong refereeing to differentiate between fact and fiction,” he added.

“We need to go there and put our best 80 together.

“It will be a great cup tie and one for our supporters to relish and enjoy supporting their team and heroes.”