A SECOND rugby body has given its backing to Saracens' plans to move to the Copthall Stadium.

The Middlesex RFU, which governs the sport in the area, says the plans by the Men In Black, who yesterday scraped through to the Premiership Final, will “bring huge long-term benefits” to the area.

Yesterday pupils from Copthall School gave the players a guard of honour onto the pitch at their current home, Vicarage Road in Watford, and watched a nailbiting 12-10 victory setting up the grand final clash with Leicester Tigers.

Last week the national Rugby Football Union (RFU) gave its support to the scheme, which would see the first ever artificial pitch used by a professional team in the northern hemisphere.

In a letter to Barnet Council's planners secretary Steve Rac wrote: “With the Olympics and Paralympics in London in 2012 and the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015, there will be an upsurge in interest in sports participation particularly by young people.

“The existing facility at Copthall is not fit for purpose and the Saracens proposals will ensure that the people of Barnet have a facility available to enable them to participate in the sport of their choice.”

He said the development, which would have 10,000 seats - many temporary, will help increase rugby in local schools and the area, be available for community use and help increase sporting participation.

However, critics fear the number of fans bought to the area will cause traffic and parking chaos on local roads and create a nuisance before and after matches.

They also say the plans are inappropriate for the green space it stands on and could damage Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Athletics Club, who use the track there all year round.

The plans will be decided on by Barnet Council, then pass to the Mayor of London's office and the Secretary of State for consideration if approved.