Dublin wins the 2013 hosting honours

Dublin is in line for a major economic boost next year when the Irish capital becomes the epicentre of European club rugby with the staging of both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals in May 2013.

Tournament organisers, ERC, announced that the RDS will be the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup final next year, with the Heineken Cup showpiece going ahead the following day at the Aviva Stadium.

Research following the Cardiff 2011 finals showed that the economic impact to the Welsh capital from the 83,000 fans who attended the games amounted to €30 million (euro).

With both 2013 finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will have the opportunity to visit the city and savour what has become an unmissable weekend festival of European club rugby.

Starting with the Amlin Challenge Cup decider, taking in the European Champions Village, and climaxing with the final of the Heineken Cup, Dublin will offer fans a special sporting experience in the space of a weekend.

2013 will be the third occasion that the Heineken Cup final has been staged in Dublin, and with Leinster and Ulster meeting in Saturday’s historic showdown at Twickenham Stadium, there is certain to be an Irish name on the trophy when the final returns to the capital in 12 months.

Next year will be the first time that Dublin has hosted the Amlin Challenge Cup final. The tournament which features clubs from up to eight European countries could see an Irish involvement in the knockout stages as every season three Heineken Cup clubs qualify for the Amlin Challenge Cup quarterfinals.

2013 ERC Finals

Friday, May, 17: Amlin Challenge Cup final, RDS, Dublin

Saturday, May 18: Heineken Cup final, Aviva Stadium, Dublin