Tottenham agree deal with Saracens to host rugby at new stadium

Tottenham have announced a partnership with Saracens that will see the rugby side play an annual match at the club’s new stadium.

The Premiership side’s annual ‘Big Game’ fixture will take place at White Hart Lane from 2020 after the two parties agreed a five-year deal.

Usually taking place in March, the showpiece fixture has previously been held at Wembley and, more recently, West Ham’s London Stadium.

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Speaking after the announcement, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy, said: “This agreement with Saracens further reinforces our aspiration to deliver a world-class multi-use venue in our home of Tottenham.

“We look forward to welcoming Saracens and their fans to Tottenham and delivering world-class rugby match-day experiences, showcasing our new stadium and all the surrounding area has to offer.” He added.

“This is an exciting partnership and, alongside Premier League and NFL matches, it is one that continues to underline our desire to create a sports and entertainment destination that we believe can transform this area of London.”

At an estimated cost of around £850m, the state of the art, 62,000 capacity arena has been designed to accommodate sports and events beyond football.

Spurs already have an agreement in place with the NFL as part of the International Series to host two regular season American Football matches a year for the next decade.

The club also have grand ambitions of providing a home for the first possible overseas NFL franchise, and even hosting the first Super Bowl outside the USA.

Tottenham will face Crystal Palace on Wednesday in the first competitive match at their new ground after lengthy construction delays prevented the stadium from opening at the start of the season as originally planned.

Nigel Wray, Chairman of Premiership Champions Saracens, said: “Tottenham Hotspur have shown themselves to be true innovators in the development of their new stadium and I know you will all share in my excitement at the news that we will make their ground the home of our showpiece fixture.”