WRU Pushes Cardiff Forward for 2014 Heineken & Amlin Challenge Cup Bid

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has revealed they are bidding for Cardiff to stage the 2014 Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) withdrew their application on Friday due to doubts over the availability of the Stade de France.

European Rugby Cup (ERC) announced that bids from other cities would be welcomed, prescription with a decision to be made by the end of the month.

The WRU intend to stage the Heineken Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, illness with the Cardiff City Stadium hosting the Amlin Challenge Cup final.

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis (pictured) said: “We are proud of our Heineken Cup heritage in Wales and would be delighted to host the 2014 final at the Millennium Stadium.

“We know supporters, players and coaches savour the rugby experience Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium can offer and we would work tirelessly to make the game yet another great success.

“We will now be liaising closely with the Welsh Government and Cardiff council to ensure we can deliver the best possible event for this great tournament if our bid is successful.

“I am desperately sorry for the FFR as they would undoubtedly have provided a great stage for the final but I applaud the decisive action they have taken to ensure we have time to put a proper plan in place for 2014.

“The Heineken Cup is a jewel in the crown of the club game and the finals are always fantastic sporting occasions.

“Rugby is the national sport of Wales and all the previous finals hosted in Cardiff have been superb occasions.”

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