Madejski Stadium to host Euro semi

The Madejski Stadium is certain to stage an all-Premiership semifinal on Saturday, April 23, and the second semifinal will be played the following day at one of three stadiums depending on the results of the Champions Cup quarterfinals.

With the winners of the Wasps v Exeter Chiefs and Saracens v Northampton Saints quarterfinals making the trip to Reading, if Leicester Tigers and Racing 92 come successfully through their quarterfinals against Stade Francais Paris and RC Toulon respectively, then they will face off on Sunday, April 24 at the City Ground.

However, if Stade Français and Racing 92 make up the semifinal pairing, the TOP 14 rivals will clash at the MMArena. Meanwhile, if Toulon defeat Racing in their quarterfinal, then the title holders will meet either Leicester or Stade Français at the Allianz Riviera.

The semifinals are played at venues designated by EPCR which have been selected in conjunction in this instance with Premiership Rugby and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby.

Home country advantage in the last four was determined by the new Champions Cup semifinal format which recognises performances by clubs during the pool stage as well as the achievement of winning a quarterfinal away from home.

The same format applies to the Challenge Cup semifinals, however, the last four matches will be staged at home venues as set out below following the results of the quarterfinals.

Champions Cup semifinals:

(Kick-off times to be announced)

Saturday, 23 April:

 SF1:  if Saracens v Wasps – Madejski Stadium

          if Northampton Saints v Wasps – Madejski Stadium

          if Exeter Chiefs v Saracens – Madejski Stadium

          if Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints – Madejski Stadium

Sunday, 24 April:

 SF2:  if Leicester Tigers v Racing 92 – City Ground

          if Stade Français Paris v Racing 92 – MMArena, Le Mans

          if RC Toulon v Leicester Tigers – Allianz Riviera, Nice

          if RC Toulon v Stade Français Paris – Allianz Riviera, Nice

2016 Champions Cup Final: Saturday, 14 May; Grand Stade de Lyon 

Challenge Cup semifinals – 22/23/24 April:

 (Exact dates and kick-off times to be announced)

 SF1: if Harlequins v Grenoble – Twickenham Stoop

         if Connacht v Harlequins – The Sportsground

         if Connacht v London Irish – The Sportsground

         if London Irish v Grenoble – Madejski Stadium

 SF2: if Gloucester v Sale Sharks – Kingsholm

         if Newport Gwent Dragons v Sale Sharks – Rodney Parade

         if Montpellier v Gloucester – Altrad Stadium

         if Montpellier v Newport Gwent Dragons – Altrad Stadium

2016 Challenge Cup final: Friday, 13 May; Grand Stade de Lyon