Saracens to host fixture at London Stadium after failing to cement Wembley Stadium partnership

Premiership rugby club Saracens will host its home match against Harlequins at the London Stadium next season after failing to cement a “long-term relationship” with Wembley Stadium.

Saracens had previously hosted 14 league and European fixtures at Wembley, but chief executive Heath Harvey said that “despite continued attempts to build on the relationship”, the operators of the national stadium “have not matched our ambition”.

The Derby Day fixture will be played on 24 March 2018 at the venue, which hosted the 2012 London Olympic Games, and is now the home stadium of West Ham United FC.

“London Stadium has become synonymous with delivering great entertainment and sporting spectacles and this opportunity is one that both parties is one that both parties are very excited about,” added Harvey.

The stadium was used for various fixtures during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Linda Lennon, London Stadium chief executive, said: “We take immense pride in delivering a diverse calendar of events and look forward to building a strong bond with Saracens and their supporters.”