Wasps mull Abu Dhabi Quins match
WASPS have confirmed they are considering a groundbreaking move that would see them play Harlequins in Abu Dhabi next month.
The two clubs are in advanced discussions over the possibility of playing their LV= Cup clash on foreign soil in what would be the first competitive match between two English teams to be played overseas. And City PM understands that Abu Dhabi is the venue being considered for the Anglo-Welsh Cup tie, which is currently scheduled to take place at Adams Park on 30 January.
A Wasps statement read: “The club are in consultation with the Rugby Football Union, LV= and Harlequins. We are always keen to find ways to be innovative and extend the footprint of the club, while promoting the sport, but at this time nothing is agreed. The club are looking into plans around this fixture but at this stage nothing is set in stone.”
The move is reminiscent of plans in football’s Premier League to play a 39th game in a different part of the world. Those proposals were quickly shelved after being heavily criticised but it is thought rugby fans may be more supportive of such an idea, with the traditional London double header, the season’s curtain raiser at Twickenham, now an accepted part of the calendar.