Euro semi-final venues released

Editor

Four stadiums, including the Madejski Stadium, have been chosen as the venues which are in line to host next month’s Champions Cup semis.

The Reading arena, the City Ground in Nottingham, the Allianz Riviera, Nice and MMArena in Le Mans have been selected as possible options.

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

With the winners of the Wasps v Exeter Chiefs and Saracens v Northampton Saints quarter-finals making the trip to Reading, if Leicester Tigers and Racing 92 come successfully through their quarter-finals against Stade Français and Toulon respectively, then they will face off on Sunday, 23 April at the City Ground.

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

The semi-finals 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 semi-final format which recognises performances by clubs during the pool stage as well as the achievement of winning a quarter-final away from home.

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

Champions Cup semi-finals
(Kick-off times to be announced)

Saturday, 23 April
Semi-final 1

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
Semi-final 2

if Leicester Tigers v Racing 92 – City Ground
if Stade Français v Racing 92 – MMArena, Le Mans
if RC Toulon v Leicester Tigers – Allianz Riviera, Nice
if RC Toulon v Stade Français – Allianz Riviera, Nice

2016 Champions Cup final: Saturday, 14 May; Grand Stade de Lyon (17.45)

Challenge Cup semi-finals – 22/23/24 April
(Exact dates and kick-off times to be announced)

Semi-final 1:

if Harlequins v Grenoble – Twickenham Stoop
if Connacht Rugby v Harlequins – The Sportsground
if Connacht Rugby v London Irish – The Sportsground
if London Irish v Grenoble – Madejski Stadium

Semi-final 2:

if Gloucester v Sale Sharks – Kingsholm
if Dragons v Sale Sharks – Rodney Parade
if Montpellier v Gloucester – Altrad Stadium
if Montpellier v Dragons – Altrad Stadium

2016 Challenge Cup final: Friday, 13 May; Grand Stade de Lyon (21.00)