London Wasps and Harlequins have confirmed that their LV= Cup game on January 30 will be held in Abu Dhabi.
It is the first time a competitive English fixture has been taken overseas, with the game set to be played under floodlights at a specially-constructed 5,000 capacity stadium at the Emirates Palace hotel.
Wasps board director Lawrence Dallaglio said: “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.
“We know that there will be some disappointment for those fans that cannot travel, but we know our supporters want long term success and stability and one-off opportunities like these can only help build our profile, appeal and reach.”
Boundaries
The match, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, follows the example of NFL and NBA, who have both played games in England.
And Wasps believe the landmark game will build on the example of playing certain fixtures at the likes of Wembley and Twickenham.
A club statement added: “Eager to push the boundaries, Wasps, in partnership with Harlequins and the LV= Cup tournament, take the first steps to promote rugby to a new overseas market by playing a competitive game abroad.”
Due to the RBS Six Nations, which kicks off the following week, both sides will be without their current England stars for the fixture.
