London Irish to host Leinster at Twickenham

London Irish have moved their Heineken Cup match against the holders, Leinster, on 23 January to Twickenham to avoid a possible fixture clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Reading would require the stadium to face Burnley in the FA Cup that afternoon should they defeat Liverpool in their third-round replay at Anfield, so Irish have hired Twickenham and expect a crowd of more than 40,000 for a game that is likely to see the winners qualify for the quarter-finals. "It is a shame that we will not be able to play at our own ground, but we are really excited that more people will be able to come and watch what will be a massive match for both sides," said the London Irish captain, Bob Casey. "Both sides have been in cracking form of late and we are expecting a big crowd." London Irish's match at Worcester on Saturday is one of only two Premiership fixtures that are likely to beat the freeze. Harlequins have called off their game against Leeds at the Stoop because of concerns about spectator safety, the fourth postponement in two days, but the Warriors are confident Sixways will both be fit to play on and safe for supporters and the kick-off has been brought forward by an hour to 2pm. Worcester wasted no time in filling the gap left by their former Wallabies full-back, Chris Latham, who is returning home at the end of the season. The Warriors have signed another Australian, Luke Rooney, from Toulon, on a two-year contract. The 26-year old is qualified to play for England through his parents. "I have enjoyed my time in France but my long-term goal is to represent England and that has been a motivating factor in my move to Worcester," said Rooney, who switched codes from rugby league in 2007. "I am excited about the prospect of playing in the Premiership." Gloucester's former New Zealand outside-half, Carlos Spencer, is set to move to South Africa after an offer from the Golden Lions to play in the Super 14. The 34-year old has been a marginal figure at Kingsholm this season after the arrival of Nicky Robinson from Cardiff Blues. Saracens are offering supporters half‑season tickets for their six remaining home matches, two of which will be at Wembley, with the promise of a full refund if they fail to win them all. The Premiership leaders have lost their past two games, including last weekend's encounter with Leicester at Vicarage Road. Italy yesterday named a 30-strong squad for the Six Nations. Ten players are based in England or France, but the captain, Sergio Parisse, is absent because of a knee injury.