WORCESTER Warriors’ inclusion in this year’s London Double Header is a ‘ground-breaking’ moment for the club, according to chief executive Jim O’Toole.
Dean Ryan’s men have been selected to face reigning Aviva Premiership champions Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday, November 28.
The London Double Header is usually contested by Sarries, Wasps, London Irish and Harlequins but, after Quins declined the invitation, Worcester were handed the chance to play at the national stadium.
O’Toole said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to be given a call and hopes the nation will still be in ‘rugby fever’ following the World Cup.
“I am thrilled,” he said. “Supporters were expecting it to be at Allianz Park in front of a 10,000 capacity, but ‘hey presto’ we are going to Twickenham.
“To be live on television and playing in front of a huge crowd will be a great occasion.
“Last year 70,000 people turned out so, with the World Cup ending just four weeks before, hopefully the whole of England will be motivated and excited to come and watch the sport.
“The fact we are the country cousins coming to town to join in with the party will add a bit of spice to it.
“I don’t believe they have ever had a non-London club play in it before, so it is ground-breaking stuff.
“I was at the Premiership final this year and I saw a few Worcester shirts, so it will be nice for them to be wearing it while watching their own team playing there.”
O’Toole told The Observer most of the revenue would go to the two London clubs – Saracens and London Irish.
However, he insisted it would be a great day out for supporters who witnessed their side battle it out in the Greene King IPA Championship last season.
“I am really pleased for our supporters because for many of them it will be their first visit to Twickenham for any sort of game,” he added.
“And for all of them it will be the first time they have ever seen Warriors play at Twickenham so it is fantastic news for them.”