Wasps to face Leinster at Twickenham in January

Wasps will stage their Heineken Cup clash against Leinster in January at Twickenham.

The game, on January 17, could ultimately decide who secures a quarter-final place as Pool Two winners.

It has been moved from Wasps’ normal Adams Park base in High Wycombe, which has a capacity of just 10,000.

Wasps have fond memories of Twickenham, having landed European titles there in 2004 and 2007, plus four Premiership crowns.

The announcement comes three days before Wasps meet reigning Magners League champions Leinster in Dublin.

Wasps chief executive Tony Copsey said: “Taking the game to Twickenham gives our players and our supporters a fantastic opportunity to make this one of our biggest fixtures of the season.

“After the support we received at the Guinness Premiership final earlier this year, it is clear there is unprecedented support for Wasps in and around London.

“This gives us another opportunity to welcome a larger crowd to a big Wasps occasion. It is our intention to open the lower bowl of Twickenham, holding a capacity of 30,000.”

Wasps rugby director Ian McGeechan added: “Twickenham has always proved to be a fantastic second home for London Wasps.

“We have enjoyed some great rugby displays there in the past, and the support has been overwhelming.”