Wasps are to stage their European Cup match against Leinster in January at Twickenham as their Adams Park stadium is not big enough. The ground, normally home to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers, has a stadium capacity of just 10,000.

The game, on January 17, could ultimately decide who secures a quarter-final place as Pool Two winners.

"Twickenham has always proved to be a fantastic second home for London Wasps," Ian McGeechan, Wasps' rugby director, said. "We have enjoyed some great rugby displays there in the past, and the support has been overwhelming."

Twickenham has been a happy hunting ground for Wasps - they won two European titles there in 2004 and 2007 - and all at the club were looking forward to playing at the home of English rugby.

Tony Copsey, Wasps chief executive, added: "Taking the game to Twickenham gives our players and our supporters a fantastic opportunity to make this one of our biggest fixtures of the season.

"After the support we received at the Guinness Premiership final earlier this year, it is clear there is unprecedented support for Wasps in and around London.

"This gives us another opportunity to welcome a larger crowd to a big Wasps occasion. It is our intention to open the lower bowl of Twickenham, holding a capacity of 30,000."

Wasps are set to face Leinster, the reigning Celtic League champions, in Dublin on Saturday.