Wasps have only just moved into Coventry’s Ricoh Arena but it seems they’ve already upset the neighbours.

Leicester Tigers have strategically chosen to erect a billboard reading ‘on your doorstep since 1880’ outside Wasps new home in response to the typically London based club’s decision to move to the midlands.

A spokesman for the Tigers, whose ground is 25 miles away from the Ricoh, said: “The club has a lot of supporters in Coventry and we're keen to remind people we're here."

Crowds of over 28,000 in their first game and over 15,000 in their second match at the Ricoh seem to have peaked the interest of Leicester, with Wasps’ revenue streams flowing nicely since they left Adams Park in December.

In response to the shots fired by their Premiership counterparts Wasps made a statement of their own, with a particularly belittling tone to their message.

It read: “We’re flattered a club like Leicester Tigers has decided to spend money on marketing themselves on our doorstep.

“We’ll continue to concentrate on trying to build a fan base in the region; we don’t tend to worry too much about what our competitors are doing.

“We’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the support we’ve received and look forward to welcoming another big crowd to the Ricoh Arena.”

The war of words is sure to add extra spice to the next meeting between the two sides, when Leicester make the short journey to Wasps’ new home in May.