ERC confirms stadia options for cup semi-finals

ERC yesterday announced the list of potential venues for the penultimate stage of the Heineken Cup.

Fri, 30 Mar, 2007 - 01:00

Barry Coughlan

If Munster defeat Llanelli at Stradey Park, they will head for a semi-final date at either Stade de France or the Walkers Stadium in Leicester.

Munster or Llanelli have been drawn against the winners of the Leicester Tigers/Stade Français clash at Welford Road this weekend. Munster supporters would clearly prefer Stade Français to win. The Walker Stadium has a 32,000 capacity while Stade de France accommodates a whopping 80,000 and would be virtually a home venue for the Irish side.

The semi-finals will be played on the weekend of April 21/22, with the 12th Heineken Cup final being staged at Twickenham on Sunday, May 20.

If French champions Biarritz Olympique beat Northampton Saints at Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian on Sunday, then they would return to the Spanish stadium to play the winners of the London Wasps and Leinster quarter-final.

Victory for Northampton Saints would mean a semi-final at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, against either London Wasps or Leinster.

The 32,000 capacity home of Coventry City FC would also become a new Heineken Cup venue.

The venues, dates, kick-off times and television coverage of the semi-finals will be confirmed after the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile Ireland will start the 2008 RBS Six Nations by hosting Italy on February 2 while England host Wales at Twickenham on the same day. France start the defence of their title on the Sunday with a trip to Murrayfield to take on Scotland.

The championship’s final round will take place on March 20, with a triple-header.

2008 RBS Six Nations (all kick-off times GMT):

Sat 2 Feb:

Ireland v Italy (2pm)

England v Wales (4.30)

Sun 3 Feb:

Scotland v France (3pm)

Sat 9 Feb:

Wales v Scotland (2pm)

France v Ireland (4pm)

Sun 10 Feb:

Italy v England (2.30pm)