Heineken Cup Final Returns To Cardiff

Cardiff will once again host European rugby’s showpiece event when the Millennium Stadium stages the Heineken Cup final in 2014, for a record seventh time, while England Rugby 2015 has revealed it has received over 80 applications for possible Team Bases, following an initial search launched earlier this year. 

The Heineken Cup final will take place on Saturday, 24th May, with the Amlin Challenge Cup final at Cardiff Arms Park 24 hours earlier.

Cardiff has so far staged the final on six occasions, including the very first final at the old National Stadium in 1996.

Last month the French Rugby Federation withdrew from the bidding process to stage the final in Paris following uncertainty over the availability of Stade de France.

The Millennium Stadium last hosted the Heineken Cup final when Leinster beat Northampton Saints 33-22 to lift the Trophy for the second time in 2011.

Meanwhile, England Rugby 2015 has welcomed the high level of interest shown in response to the Team Base selection programme for the Rugby World Cup 2015, after receiving over 80 applications across more than 30 English counties and Wales. 

Up to 50 Team Bases will be required for the competition, with site visits for potential facilities set to get underway in 2014.

The influx of applications follows a search and selection programme launched in April by the competition’s organisers, England Rugby 2015.

Debbie Jevans, CEO of the organisation, commented: ‘Team Bases will play a pivotal role in the Tournament and we are delighted to see such a strong response rate to the search and selection programme. We want to identify high quality facilities across the country to ensure the teams have the best possible platform to compete at Rugby World Cup 2015.’ 

‘As an organising committee we are fully committed to meeting the needs of all competing players, ensuring that we deliver to the best possible standards.’

‘With applications received from schools, universities, colleges, rugby clubs and local authorities from over 30 English counties and within Wales, we can already see the fantastic regional engagement opportunities Team Bases will provide – we want to take the teams, the Tournament and the Game of Rugby as far and wide as possible in 2015 so we are really encouraged by the response.’