Heineken Cup
Sarries forced to move Biarritz clash
ESPNscrum Staff
November 15, 2011
Saracens' John Smit scores on his debut, Saracens v Treviso, Heineken Cup, Vicarage Road, London, England, November 13, 2011
The likes of John Smit will turn out for Saracens in Newlands © Getty Images
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Saracens have been forced to change the venue for their Heineken Cup clash with Biarritz following a decision made by the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

The Aviva Premiership champions had recently declared their wish to play their January 14 clash at the Cape Town Stadium, but the WPRFU has moved to change the venue of the Heineken Cup match to the Stormers' home ground, Newlands.

The Cape Town Stadium was built for the 2010 football World Cup and has been used sparsely since. But the final decision on the venue for the clash lies with the host nation so Saracens will be forced to bow to their demands.

"The WPRFU Executive Committee unanimously agreed that Newlands is currently the home of rugby in the Western Province, and will be treated as such for the foreseeable future," a WPRFU statement read. "The Western Province Rugby Football Union embraces such an historic match which will form part of the busy 2012 Super Rugby and Test Match schedule at Newlands Stadium.

"Newlands is one of the oldest rugby stadia in the world, with excellent facilities and currently boasts some of the highest attendance levels in world rugby.

"The decision to agree to the hosting of the match at Newlands was made in the best interests of WP Rugby and once again shows loyalty to its suite holders and fans who regularly attend matches at Newlands.

"The WPRFU wholeheartedly embraces the idea of Cape Town attracting international matches and looks forward to hosting other high profile matches at Newlands."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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