As Cardiff Rugby, Ospreys and Scarlets bid to stay on the ‘Road to Cardiff’ with their European assignments this weekend, tournament organisers EPCR have announced some plans for the Challenge Cup and Champions Cup finals in the Welsh capital as the clock ticks through 50 days to go. The action at Principality Stadium kicks off […]
As Cardiff Rugby, Ospreys and Scarlets bid to stay on the ‘Road to Cardiff’ with their European assignments this weekend, tournament organisers EPCR have announced some plans for the Challenge Cup and Champions Cup finals in the Welsh capital as the clock ticks through 50 days to go.
The action at Principality Stadium kicks off on Friday 23 May with the EPCR Challenge Cup Final, followed by the Investec Champions Cup Final on Saturday 24 May. Both games will be played under a closed roof to heighten the atmosphere, intensity and excitement.
As the countdown continues, EPCR is giving even more fans the chance to be right in the heart of the action, with a limited number of £60 tickets in the lower bowl for the Investec Champions Cup Final now available at epcrugby.com
One of the last Welsh winners of the Champions Cup was Leigh Halfpenny with Toulon, a team that is involved in the Round of 16 this weekend with a home clash against Saracens in a repeat of the 2014 final in Cardiff.
“The Principality Stadium really is this incredibly special stadium. I know I’m biased, but the atmosphere is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced anywhere else in the world,” said Halfpenny, who is now playing with Harlequins.
“When that roof is closed and the stadium is full, it is for me the best atmosphere I’ve experienced.
“The crowd is so close to the pitch you can really feel it on top of you.
“And you know, you’re on the field and you can’t hear at times, you can’t hear a thing it’s that loud, the roof just keeps everything in. For fans to come and have that experience and as a player, to play in front of it is just unbelievably special.”
Halfpenny was also a key part of the Toulon team to secure a history-making Champions Cup hat-trick in 2015 – the first and only team to become champions of Europe three times in a row. Up against Clermont Auvergne, the French side came from behind thanks to 14 points from Halfpenny’s boot.
“I feel incredibly grateful to have been a small part of that and to create history. It was an amazing feeling and a moment I’ll never forget,” he added.
“The Champions Cup is the very best of the teams in Europe. You’re coming up against some incredibly strong teams, and there is extremely tough competition from the start, all the way through the pool stages, going home and away and playing at some incredible venues and stadiums.
“It’s a special competition. One of the best club competitions in the world, in my opinion. It’s phenomenal and I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have been able to win it.”
Another great Wales and British & Irish Lions full back, Liam Williams, is another player to have tasted Champions Cup success. He was in the 2019 Saracens team that made history as the first English side to win the competition three times, defeating Leinster Rugby 20-10 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
“It was a fantastic year for myself personally, playing in the squad that we had – it was an unforgettable year. I loved every second of it,” said Willians.
“I think the whole final was just something to be a part of. To come away with a win and to win the cup was unbelievable.
“The Principality Stadium is the best stadium in the world, it’s electric in there. With th roof close the atmosphere will be kept in and hopefully it goes on for the full 80 minutes.”
Enhancing a rugby weekend in one of Europe’s most passionate rugby cities, as well as the thrilling on-field action, fans can expect two days of festivities surrounding the final, including the Champions Rugby Village fan zone, with entertainment, and a chance to celebrate rugby at its very best at Cardiff Arms Park.
Anticipation is already building as the top clubs return to EPCR action with the knockout stages kicking off this coming weekend. With the competition heating up and only the best teams remaining in the hunt for the coveted trophy, this year’s Final is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the 30th season.
Tickets for the finals are now available, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots now to be part of this landmark event. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.