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Twickenham to host fan-friendly European finals next month with details also confirmed for next season's format
By Liam Heagney
Twickenham will host next month's Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals, showpiece games that will potentially go ahead with 10,000 supporters watching each decider if licences are granted by the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames.
The Challenge Cup decider, which could be an all-English affair if Leicester and Bath win their respective semi-finals this weekend against Ulster and Montpellier, is scheduled for Friday, May 21, at 20:00 with the Champions Cup final going ahead on Saturday, May 22, at 16:45. Three French teams and Irish province Leinster are contesting this weekend's semi-finals.
Tickets for the finals will be on sale Friday, April 30, at 17:00, starting at £45, with details communicated on www.HeinekenChampionsCup.com.
"Fans are the lifeblood of European club tournaments and we are delighted to be able to welcome them back in a Covid-secure environment for this season’s finals," said EPCR chief executive officer Vincent Gaillard. "Twickenham has a storied history with club rugby’s greatest tournament and it will be a fitting venue to see silverware contested next month."
Bill Sweeney, the RFU CEO and EPCR board member, added: "We’re looking forward to seeing up to 10,000 fans back at Twickenham again for these EPCR finals and are delighted to be chosen to host the fixtures.
"This is an important opportunity for us to hold events as part of plans for the return of fans to stadia. We are working hard with EPCR and local authorities to put various measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all those attending each match."
Marseille was initially due to stage the finals, but restrictions put in place to limit the transmission of Covid-19 made it impractical to accommodate all ticket holders and the matches have been deferred to 2022 as a consequence. The finals will return to London in 2023 when they will be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For the final Champions and Challenge Cup matches at Twickenham, EPCR has advised fans to adhere to government advice (locally and in their territory if not based in the United Kingdom) before making any travel arrangements.
Plans are also advanced for the 2021/22 season with confirmation that 24 clubs – including eight representatives from each of the Gallagher Premiership, Top 14 and Guinness PRO14 - will once again contest the Champions Cup.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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