Reading to stage two finals on same day

Reading's Madejski Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the finals of this year's Parker Pen Challenge Cup and Shield on May 25.

London Wasps, Pontypridd, Saracens and Bath Rugby contest the first legs of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-finals this weekend, with the return legs being staged a fortnight later.

In the Parker Pen Shield the clubs still in the running at this weekend's first leg semi-finals stage are Castres Olympique, Pau, Caerphilly and Petrarca Padova.

"The decision to stage both the finals on the same day at the Madejski Stadium will create a magnificent atmosphere and two European finals at the same venue will double the value of the occasion," said Jean-Pierre Lux, ERC Chairman.

"We believe the supporters of the four teams in the two finals will turn it into a very special and festive European club rugby day - with the winner of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup also automatically qualifying for the 2003 / 2004 Heineken Cup tournament."