Cardiff City Stadium confirmed as venue of Guinness PRO14 final
THE new rugby season’s Guinness PRO14 final will be held at Cardiff City Stadium, and it’s got Sam Warburton’s backing.
As reported by the Western Mail in May, the home ground of Cardiff City will be the venue.
That’s now been confirmed by tournament chiefs, with former Wales and Lions captain great Warburton being brought on board to promote ticket sales.
It will be the first time Wales has hosted the tournament final.
The Scarlets were the last of Wales’ six winners, demolishing Munster in the PRO12 final two years ago in Dublin. The Blues and Dragons have never been champions.
Leinster beat Glasgow Warriors in last season’s title decider, which was held at Celtic Park - the home of Scottish football giants Celtic - in Glasgow.
The Principality Stadium was not available for the June 20 date next year because of already arranged clashes with sporting and nonsporting events.
The PRO14 final has enjoyed four record attendances in a row, and officials are now hoping for a sellout at the 33,280 capacity Cardiff City Stadium.
Ex-Cardiff Blues flanker Warburton said: “Rugby has always been a sport at the heart of Wales and having another world-class rugby event in our capital city is very exciting.
“I’ve seen a couple of matches in Cardiff City Stadium and the atmosphere can be electric with the right crowd - it’s going to be a great final whichever of the teams make it.
“Being a Cardiff boy myself, I could be biased, but it really is a great city with a great community.
“As the crow flies, Cardiff City Stadium is under a mile from the city centre, so it makes a great location for fans wanting to make a day or a weekend of the event.”
Martin Anayi , PRO14 chief executive, said: “We have long heard the voices of the Welsh fans who wanted to see the final take place here and it’s great that all of the pieces have finally fallen into place for 2020.
“Choosing Cardiff City Stadium as the location allows us to aim for a sell-out event after four successive years of setting attendance records.”
He added: “Bringing the final to Wales is another move in making the championship decider about supporters of rugby, not just fans of the teams involved, and we know from experience that Welsh supporters are the most vocal.
“Cardiff City Stadium also brings us to a football venue for the second year in a row after the tremendous success of our most recent final, at Glasgow’s Celtic Park.
“Although the stadium itself may be known for the round ball, Cardiff is one of the most attractive rugby cities across the world and we hope that it’s not just the local fans who are excited, but everyone from around our competing nations and beyond.”
The race to Cardiff begins on September 27, when the PRO14 season kicks off with Ulster facing four-time champions Ospreys in Belfast.
Rugby fans can gain access to an exclusive pre-sale ticket window for 48 hours, starting on August 26, by signing up as a member of PRO14 Xtra – visit xtra.pro14rugby.org or download the official PRO14 app to gain access.
General sale tickets will be available from August 28, with prices starting at £13 for concessions and £26 for adults (subject to booking fees). A family ticket for two adults and two children start at £64.