City of Manchester Stadium set to host Heineken clash if Sale give Biarritz blues

A NEW venue could be added to the list of Heineken Cup venues if Sale Sharks defeat Biarritz to qualify for the semi-finals.

The City of Manchester Stadium has been earmarked to host a semi-final if the Sharks make it through to play the winners of Leicester and Bath.

The Board of ERC, the tournament organisers, yesterday confirmed the four potential venues for the semi-finals en route to the 11th final being staged at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, May 20 (3pm).

A Munster victory over Perpignan tomorrow week will see them advance to a semi-final in either Toulouse or a return to Lansdowne Road. If Toulouse beat Leinster, their match against either Munster or Perpignan will be at Le Stadium, Toulouse.And if Leinster win, the semi-final will be played at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

If Biarritz qualify for the semi-finals, their match against the winners of the clash between Leicester and Bath will be played at Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastian. Man City’s 47,500-capacity home ground would become the 76th venue to host a Heineken Cup match.

The dates and kick-off times for the semi-final games are set to be confirmed on Monday, April 3.

Meanwhile, Johnny Howard has signed a new two-year contract with Northampton. The new deal will keep the 25-year-old at Franklin’s Gardens until the end of 2007/08.