How Sharks and Stormers can get 'home' semifinals
NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby announced the venues which are in line to host the Champions Cup semifinal matches later this month.
The stadiums were selected following close consultation with Premiership Rugby, the United Rugby Championship and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby.
Teams with the highest rankings from the pool stage of the tournament will earn ‘home country’ advantage for the matches.
EPCR confirmed that – as previously referenced and agreed with SARU – if a South African representative happens to qualify for a Champions Cup semifinal as the highest-ranked team, the match will be staged at a venue in Europe.
However, even though they will be played in Europe, the two South African representatives – Sharks and Stormers – can still get a ‘home field’ advantage.
Possible semifinal matches and venues – April 28/29/30
* Leinster Rugby (A1) v either Stade Toulousain (B2) or Sharks (A3) – Lansdowne Road, Dublin (capacity: 51,700).
* Stade Toulousain (B2) v Leicester Tigers (B4) – Matmut ATLANTIQUE, Bordeaux (capacity: 42,100).
* Sharks (A3) v Leicester Tigers (B4) – Barnet Copthall, London (capacity: 10,300)
* Stade Rochelais (B1) v either Exeter Chiefs (A2) or Stormers (B3) – Matmut ATLANTIQUE, Bordeaux (capacity: 42,100).
* Exeter Chiefs (A2) v Saracens (A4) – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol (capacity: 27,000).
* Stormers (B3) v Saracens (A4) – Twickenham Stoop, London (capacity: 14,800)
Quarterfinals
(Pool stage rankings in brackets / All kick-offs local times)
Friday, April 7
Quarterfinal One: Leinster (A1) v Leicester Tigers (B4), Lansdowne Road (20.00)
Saturday, April 8
Quarterfinal Two: Stade Toulousain (B2) v Sharks (A3), Stade Ernest Wallon (16.00)
Quarterfinal Three: Exeter Chiefs (A2) v Stormers (B3), Sandy Park (17.30)
Sunday, April 8
Quarterfinal Four: Stade Rochelais (B1) v Saracens (A4), Stade Marcel Deflandre (16.00)
Semifinals – April 28/29/30
Semifinal One: Winner Quarterfinal One v Winner Quarterfinal Two
Semifinal Two: Winner Quarterfinal Three v Winner Quarterfinal Four
Champions Cup Final: Saturday, May 20; Lansdowne Road, Dublin (16.45)
