Powergen Cup: Northampton and Harlequins have home advantage

The English Rugby Football Union have scrapped their plans to hold this season's Powergen Cup semi-finals at the Madejski Stadium.

Before the quarter-finals were played, the RFU announced the Reading venue would stage both semis back-to-back. But one of the semi-finalists - London Irish - play their home games at the stadium.

It was agreed that the two semis would take place at the home grounds of Northampton and Harlequins respectively.

Northampton will therefore meet Newcastle Falcons at Franklin's Gardens on March 9, with Harlequins taking on the Exiles at The Stoop on the same day.

RFU operations director Terry Burwell explained: "The England Rugby Ltd board considered all the options following the draw.

"Whilst appreciating the financial advantages of playing both games at the Madejski Stadium it was felt it would be inequitable to give London Irish home advantage."

One semi will start at 2.45pm, and one at 5pm, with the RFU revealing soon in which order the games will take place.