London instead of Marseille. Due to a health crisis, the European Rugby Cup organization EPCR recently announced that the finals of the two continental competitions would not take place, as initially planned, at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. The question was then where would they go. The decision was made on Friday: the final of the Challenge Cup and the Champions Cup will be held on Friday and Saturday 22 May at the London enclosure, which belongs to the English Federation (RFU).

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The good news for rugby supporters is that “Temple of Rugby” will be able to accommodate 10,000 spectators for these two matches, “according to the British government’s roadmap to recovery,” EPCR said. The whole question is whether French supporters will be allowed to travel to the United Kingdom. For now, ten days of separation must be observed before entering England. There will inevitably be at least one French club in the Champions Cup final, as Toulouse and Bordeaux-Beggles face-to-face in the semi-finals this Saturday (4pm) in Ernest-Wallen.

Spectrum will be required to sign the Code of Conduct

European bodies “advise supporters to follow government guidelines before organizing their trip (locally and in their region, if they are not based in the UK)”. He said: “All spectators attending the finals will be required to read and sign a code of conduct. It will be mandatory to wear masks within the stadium, except when spectators consume food or drink while sitting in their designated seats. Social disturbances. In any case, respect should be given. ”In addition,” additional measures are planned, particularly more frequent cleaning, greater number of toilets, differentiated entrances to the platform and a revised transport plan “, indicates the EPCR. .

“We are looking forward to seeing 10,000 fans returning to Twenheimham Stadium for these EPCR finals and we have been selected to host these games,” RFC General Manager Bill Sweeney and EPCR Steering Committee member said in a press. Ongoing. This is an important opportunity for us to organize events as part of our plan to return supporters to the stadiums. We are working with the EPCR and local authorities to take various measures to ensure the safety of the people who attend every meeting. “

Thread remains in 24 clubs for 2021-2022

Tickets for both of these finals will go on sale from 6 euros this Friday, from 50 euros. This decision to play the final in London may, according to some, be prematurely 100% French in the Champions Cup final as an infielder if La Rochelle defeats Leicester on Sunday in the semi-finals. In the event of a success at home to the Challenge Cup final, Lister and Bath, on the other hand, may have a clash between English clubs against Ulster and Montpellier respectively.

The EPCR has finally raised one last question: the format of the Champions Cup for next season will be good with 24 clubs (eight representatives from the Top 14, Loveship and Pro 14). The first eight teams in the French Championship will compete in the next “big” European Cup until Montpellier, currently outside the top 8, wins the Challenge Cup and gets their ticket to the Champions Cup. The EPCR says that the competition formula is still under study and will be clarified soon. And the 2023 final will be held in England, again in London, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.