Saracens to host Leinster clash at Wembley

SARACENS have confirmed plans to stage their Heineken Cup clash with Leinster at Wembley this season.

Brendan Venter’s men will head to the stadium for the visit of Brian O’Driscoll and company on October 16. Leinster Season ticket holders will be advised of the arrangements for the province’s ticket allocation for this game in the coming weeks.

Saracens’ Wembley experiment last season was a roaring success, with all four matches – including a memorable victory over South Africa – attracting crowds in excess of 40,000. The victory over Harlequins which all-but sealed Saracens a place in the Premiership semi-finals drew a crowd of 47,106.

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: “Saracens at Wembley has quickly become synonymous with a great family day out including great rugby and great entertainment for a great price at a great venue. We are delighted to take these two outstanding matches to Wembley, and we look forward to two more fantastic occasions.”

Meanwhile new Springbok signing Johann Muller will lead Ulster in the pre-season friendly against Premiership side Bath at Ravenhill on Friday night. Muller, who has not played for nearly five months after breaking his arm during the Super 14 campaign with the Sharks, is in temporary charge with last season’s leaders Rory Best and Chris Henry on the sidelines.

“I’ll be nervous, but even more exited,” said lock Muller, who will be starting alongside Tim Barker who has returned for his third stint at Ulster. “There will be a lot of expectations, and being captain will also add to the pressure. But I thrive on that. It will not be perfect, I’m sure I will be little rusty, but that is what these warm-up games are for.”

ULSTER Squad:

Forwards: TJ Anderson, T Barker, N Brady, R Caldwell, R Diack, W Faloon, D Fitzpatrick, A Kyriacou, A Macklin, J Muller, P McAllister, N McComb, P Wannenburg, B Young.

Backs: D Cave, I Humphreys, P Marshall, L Marshall, M McCrea, N O’Connor, I Porter, T Seymour, J Smith, N Spence, I Whitten.