PRO14 showpiece to be held at Celtic Park

Switch to venue hailed as ‘truly historic step in evolution of the Guinness PRO14’

Celtic Park will host next year’s Guinness PRO14 final.

The league confirmed that the showpiece event would be held outside a traditional rugby venue for the first time.

The 60,000-seater venue will stage the final on May 25 2019.

PRO14 Rugby chief executive Martin Anayi said: “Bringing our final to a world-famous stadium like Celtic Park is a truly historic step in the evolution of the Guinness PRO14.

“Since introducing destination final venues in 2015 we have seen the event thrive by making it about fans of rugby and not just the supporters of the two teams competing for the trophy.

“The bid put forward by Scottish Rugby, Celtic FC and the City of Glasgow was compelling from the very beginning and we’re certain that fans across the Guinness PRO14 will share in our excitement.

“Glasgow has so much to offer in terms of hospitality, culture and heritage and like our previous finals in Dublin, Edinburgh and Belfast we can offer fans so much more than just a rugby experience.”

Dominic McKay, chief operating officer of the SRU and a PRO14 board director, was delighted to secure a return to Scotland for the final after Murrayfield staged the event in 2016.

He added: “We hosted an outstanding final for the championship in Edinburgh two years ago and I’m delighted that we will be able to build on this in a city where rugby is really taking off thanks to Glasgow Warriors and our local rugby clubs.

“Rugby was a huge success in Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, while Rugby Park and Pittodrie have also been great venues for Autumn Test matches over the years. This announcement is another great example of the sports working together.”

Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: “This is a fantastic reward for the City of Glasgow’s continued investment in major sporting events and their support for us.

“We’ve enjoyed an excellent partnership with Glasgow Life and the City Council over the past several years.

“We worked on this bid in conjunction with the SRU and Glasgow Life.

“Just imagining the outstanding atmosphere and unique experience at Celtic Park would give our players, coaches and fans. It is certainly an added spur to perform at our very best in the league this season.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “We are very proud that the Pro 14 final is coming to us.

“It will be a fabulous occasion for the city of Glasgow, rugby supporters and for Celtic.

“Celtic Park is a world-class venue and our success of hosting events in the 2014 Commonwealth games and on Champions League nights proves that the stadium can produce unforgettable experiences time after time.”

It will be a fabulous occasion for the city of Glasgow, rugby supporters and for Celtic. PETER LAWWELL

Picture: SNS Group. Celtic Park will play host to the Guinness PRO14 final in May next year.