Cardiff to Host Heineken Cup Final in 2014 for Record Time

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will host the Heineken Cup final in 2014, marking the seventh and record time the Welsh capital has hosted European rugby’s premier tournament.

On top of the Heineken Cup final on 24 May, the Cardiff Arms Park will also host the Amlin Challenge Cup final a day earlier.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Roger Lewis said he was ‘delighted’ to be hosting the final.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Lewis said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to again host the next Heineken Cup final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“The (Millennium Stadium is) the spiritual home of European rugby, it’s quite an accolade and we are so grateful to the European Rugby Cup (ERC) for awarding to the Millennium Stadium what will be its 7^th European final.

“We know from experience that it will be a fantastic rugby occasion and a great opportunity for Cardiff and Wales to welcome tens of thousands of supporters.

“There is something special about a Heineken Cup final and our events team at the stadium has a well-deserved reputation for ensuring that we deliver a spectacular atmosphere.”

Lewis also thanked ‘Team Wales’ for their continued support.

“There are so many men and women who have worked so hard to secure this final,” Lewis added.

“Most importantly we need to thank ‘team Wales’ – The Welsh assembly government, Cardiff County Council, Cardiff Blues and everyone at the Welsh Rugby Union who has put so much effort into ensuring the Millennium Stadium is awarded this fixture in 2014.”

Cardiff hosted the very first final at the old National Stadium in 1996 and last entertained the Heineken Cup final in 2011.

The decision came after the French pulled out of the running due to uncertainties over the availability of the Stade de France.