Wasps have confirmed their LV= Cup match against Harlequins will be staged in Abu Dhabi.
The fixture, which will be played on Sunday 30 January, is the first competitive game between two English clubs to take place abroad. The game will be played under floodlights in the grounds of the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, with a specially constructed stadium which will hold 5,000 spectators.
Wasps owner Steve Hayes said: (quote) We are truly delighted to be the first club to take a competitive game overseas. It reiterates our commitment to the game and also to building the long term future of London Wasps. (end quote)
Wasps board director Lawrence Dallaglio also said: (quote) To be the first club to take a competitive game of rugby overseas really reflects Wasps desire to be innovative and try new things. We want to ensure that Wasps has a long-term future and it is steps like this that strengthen the club and develop a global brand.As a player at London Wasps 20 years man and boy, I do care about the fans. This has not been done on a whim. I have to acknowledge it does make it physically difficult for supporters to attend, but we are offering season ticket holders a full refund, either in cash or in a ticket for another game. We will also be staging a private training session later in the season which they will be invited to attend. (end quote)