The Amlin Challenge Cup game against Bordeaux Begles will see Richard Birkett makes his 250th appearance for Wasps.
Wasps lock set to make his 250th appearance in crunch match
The Amlin Challenge Cup game against Bordeaux Begles will hold added significance for lock Richard Birkett as he makes his 250th appearance for Wasps.
Birkett made his debut for Wasps in 1999 when he came on as a replacement against London Irish in the then-Allied Dunbar Premiership.
Sunday's must-win Amlin Challenge Cup clash will take the 32-year-old to the 250 milestone - which sees him join the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Alex King, Josh Lewsey, Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley in passing the landmark.
And although Birkett's run of 249 has seen him collect Premiership and Heineken Cup titles, there is one particular game that stands out.
Bruising
"I definitely didn't think it would last this long," he told the club's official site.
"It's been bruising but a lot of fun and I am very proud of the fact that I am still playing and had such a lot of fun along the way.
"Our game in Lansdowne Road against Munster in the Heineken Cup semi-final in 2004 without a doubt has been the one I will never forget.
"We won 32-37 and it was just incredible from start to finish. Everything about it was fantastic. The game itself was immense and the lead changed hands a few times, the atmosphere was also unforgettable.
"I had never experienced anything like it. There were thousands of home fans baying for our blood and then after the game they were all patting us on the back and saying fair play you guys were awesome."
