Saracens cancel Cape Town tie

Saracens have cancelled plans to host their home Heineken Cup match with Biarritz in South Africa.

The London club had planned to play the fixture against the French side in Cape Town, but the match has now been moved back to London.

"Now that all discussions between various stakeholders have been concluded, Saracens have decided the Heineken Cup match against Biarritz on Saturday January 14 will be played not in Cape Town, but in London," said a club statement.

"The innovative English champion club was eager to host the first Heineken Cup match ever played outside Europe, to stage a special, spectacular rugby event and to project brilliant images of Cape Town and European rugby around the world.

"However, we have no wish to be a catalyst for conflict between the City of Cape Town and the Western Province Rugby Union. Saracens looks forward to playing a competitive match in Cape Town as soon as local circumstances allow.

"Supporters who have bought tickets in South Africa will be fully refunded by Computicket, and Saracens will engage with UK-based supporters who have already booked air tickets and accommodation and ensure they are appropriately compensated."

Saracens travel to Biarritz this weekend for the second match of their Heineken Cup campaign.