1
Venues confirmed for 2025 and 2026 European finals
By Josh Raisey
The Investec Champions Cup final is set to return to Cardiff's Principality Stadium next year for the first time since 2014, the EPCR have confirmed.
It will be the eighth time that the European final has been staged in the Welsh capital, with the 74,000-capacity stadium also hosting the Challenge Cup final.
The EPCR have also announced that the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, will host the 2026 finals for the second time, having played host to Leinster's triumph over Racing 92 in the Champions Cup in 2018 and Cardiff's victory over Gloucester in the Challenge Cup.
Chairman of EPCR Dominic McKay said after the venues were confirmed: "We are delighted today to confirm Cardiff and Bilbao as the host cities of the 2025 and 2026 EPCR Finals Weekend.
"In returning to Cardiff 30 years on from the iconic first Final means a great to deal to us and our friends here in the city, and we will celebrate the milestone appropriately. We know this rugby heartland will not only be proud to host this historic weekend, but will welcome rugby fans from across the world to join us in Cardiff for our EPCR Finals Weekend in 2025.
"For 2026, we cannot wait to return to Bilbao, which hosted a superb celebration of rugby in a world-class destination in 2018. Our selection of host cities such as this reflects our intention to continually deliver outstanding experiences for fans, clubs and stakeholders for our marquee weekend. We know Bilbao will attract spectators from a varied demographic, bringing our sport to even more fans in a stunning host city.
"We would like to thank the many bidding cities for their great enthusiasm in hosting our Finals Weekend. We were delighted to receive so many bids and expressions of interest from across the world. The final decisions were certainly challenging given the high standard of all bidders, and we are looking forward to working with Cardiff, Bilbao and all the stakeholders to deliver two more superb Finals Weekends."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Willis
Underhill
Earl
As good as any backrow on the planet.
Go to commentsWhile we were living in Belgium, French rugby was very easy to watch on tv and YouTube. Given the ghastly weather, riding indoors on a trainer and watching French rugby was a very passable experience. I became quite a fan.
Interestingly, last week in Buenos Aires I shared a table with a couple from Toulouse, who were at the Toulon game themselves, and were curious how much I knew about French club rugby. I explained the Brussels weather. They smiled and understood.
Now back in CA, biking again.
Go to comments