ECC final moved to London
Following formal representations from European Challenge Cup finalists Bourgoin and the French club’s body, the LNR, ERC has agreed to move the Challenge Cup final from Gloucester’s Kingsholm to the Twickenham Stoop on Friday, 22 May.
The decision, which will come as a big relief to a number travelling French fans, has reportedly been been made with the full support and backing of Northampton Saints.
“Bourgoin and the LNR raised a number of concerns with ERC this week regarding the location of the 2009 final after consulting with fans in the wake of their semi-final victory over Worcester Warriors,” said ERC chief executive Derek McGrath.
“Even though we began the process of finding a suitable venue for this season’s final way back in January, and formally announced Kingsholm as the venue last Sunday, we have been open to the arguments put forward by Bourgoin who are delighted to reach this European final. To their credit Northampton Saints were very understanding and agreed to a switch as a gesture to the French club.
“With the day before the final being a Bank Holiday in France it was felt this might put pressure on their travelling fans. It was therefore agreed across the board that a switch to a London venue would be beneficial to the Bourgoin fans.”
McGrath added: “ERC would like to acknowledge the magnanimous gesture by Northampton and the understanding and support of Gloucester Rugby with whom we have been preparing to stage the final. All our efforts now turn to the Twickenham Stoop, which has hosted two previous European Challenge Cup finals, and we know we can look forward to another great occasion at this fine venue”.
ERC
