Marseille To Host 2020 European Club Finals
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has announced that Marseille has won the bid to host the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals.
The bid was conducted in conjunction with sports marketing agency The Sport Consultancy and supported by AREMA, Ville de Marseille, Region Sud and Olympique de Marseille.
The finals will take place over the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of May 2020 and will take place at the Stade de Marseille.
Commenting on the announcement, EPCR director general, Vincent Gaillard, said: “While France is a traditional stronghold of the great game of rugby, a European finals weekend in the city of Marseille will be a whole new experience both for local fans and for our loyal supporters.
“Having made history in Bilbao last season, and with all roads leading to Newcastle this season, we are certain that Marseille and the state-of-the art Stade de Marseille will deliver a truly memorable weekend on the Cote d’Azur as we celebrate the European Cup’s 25th anniversary.”
Jean-Claude Gaudin, mayor of Marseille, said: “In selecting our city, EPCR has recognised a remarkable collective work on a successful bid project, worthy of the expectations of this major sporting event, which commands the attention and enthusiasm of the rugby world.
“After the European Year of Culture in 2013, UEFA EURO 2016, the European Year of Sport 2017, the Rugby World Cup 2023 and the hosting of the sailing events of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, staging this top European club rugby weekend is further recognition for Marseille, now making us a member of an elite circle of sporting cities.”
Marseille previously held the Challenge Cup final between Cardiff Blues and RC Toulon in 2010.
