Sarries to play in South Africa

Saracens were today given permission to take their Heineken Cup pool clash with Biarritz to Cape Town.

The game will be played at Newlands Stadium on January 14 and a bumper crowd is expected with John Smit, the World Cup-winning captain, and former Stormers hooker Schalk Brits among the South African contingent at the Vicarage Road club.

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: "The world is becoming increasingly smaller and well connected and we are committed to thinking big and creating major events that people want to watch. We look forward to proceeding with these exciting plans."

The decision by the ERC, organisers of the Heineken Cup, and the IRB to approve the application means South Africa will become the 10th country to host action from European rugby's premier club tournament.

With South Africa only one hour ahead of Britain, the kick-off time will ensure prime time television coverage in Europe.

Sarries, who are 50 per cent owned by a South African company, have announced a compensation package for season ticket holders unable to attend the game.