The London Wasps, one of the leading rugby clubs in Europe, will play host to the Miami Dolphins this week as the Dolphins prepare to face the New York Giants in the NFL's first overseas regular-season game at London's Wembley Stadium on October 28.
The Dolphins, who will be the home team, will stage a full practice at the Wasps' training ground at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, just hours after landing in London earlier that morning.
The European-champion Wasps, who boast some of the finest rugby players in the world such as England captain Phil Vickery, French captain Raphael Ibanez and eight other players who took part in the recent Rugby World Cup, are honored to be hosting the Dolphins.
"I've followed American football for at least 10 years now," says Ian McGeechan, Director of Rugby at Wasps, "and I've enjoyed a few Super Bowls late on Sunday evening, so I am looking forward to the arrival of the Dolphins. As a coach, it will be fascinating to get an insight into another professional sport from another country."
Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director of NFL UK, expressed his excitement about teaming with the Wasps.
"We are very pleased to be able to work with the Wasps for this event," says Kirkwood, "and the Dolphins are looking forward to making use of their facilities. This agreement with the Wasps is another sign of how London is getting behind the game and making our teams feel welcome."
Meanwhile, the Dolphins' connection with the world of rugby was strengthened with the naming of former England rugby captain Martin Johnson as their honorary captain for the London game.
"This is the biggest thing ever to happen to the NFL in this country and I am honored to be involved," says Johnson, who is a lifelong NFL fan. "I met with Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga and Jason Taylor earlier this year, and will be proud to represent the team."
The NFL's London game has proved to be one of year's hottest tickets, with more than half a million ticket requests received within 72 hours of its announcement and all tickets sold in less than two hours. FOX and Westwood One Radio Sports will broadcast the action live in the U.S. while the game will be broadcast in England live on Sky Sports with highlights on BBC2 in the UK.
