Venue set for Challenge Cup final

This season’s Parker Pen Challenge Cup final will be staged at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on May 22.

Tournament organisers have retained last season’s final venue, when a crowd of more than 18,000 watched Wasps beat Bath 48-30.

Bath are on course for a return, but they face a tough two-legged semi-final over two legs next month against French side Montferrand.

The other semi-final is between Harlequins and Connacht.

“The Madejski Stadium is a perfect venue – great access by road, rail and air, a superb playing surface and outstanding viewing for spectators,” said Derek McGrath, chief executive of European Rugby Cup Limited.

“With the Heineken Cup final being played nearby at Twickenham the following day, supporters have a great opportunity to see two European finals on one weekend.”

The Parker Pen final will kick off at midday.