EPCR celebrates 50 days to go to Cardiff 25 Finals Weekend with release of limited tickets in the heart of the action

•  Limited number of £60 tickets released for Investec Champions Cup Final, giving fans great value right at the heart of the action
• Iconic Principality Stadium roof to be closed, heightening unique and intense atmosphere
• Players reflect on the ‘best stadium in the world’ and what it would mean to get to the Finals

The Road to Cardiff is heating up with just 50 days to go until the biggest weekend in international club rugby descends on Cardiff, for the EPCR Finals weekend, with rugby fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable show of skill and passion at one of Europe’s most iconic rugby stadiums.

Taking place at the legendary Principality Stadium, the excitement kicks off on Friday 23 May with the EPCR Challenge Cup Final, followed by the Investec Champions Cup Final on Saturday 24 May.

As the countdown continues, EPCR is giving even more fans the chance to be right in the heart of the action, with limited number of £60 tickets in the lower bowl for the Investec Champions Cup Final now available at epcrugby.com.

With a capacity of almost 74,000, the Principality Stadium is renowned for its incredible atmosphere. And with plans for its iconic roof to be shut during both Finals, fans are invited to bring their voice and show why there is no better atmosphere than in the Welsh capital.

Reflecting on what it’s like to play at the Principality, Welsh national and Harlequins fullback Leigh Halfpenny said: “It really is this incredibly special stadium. I know I’m biased, but the atmosphere is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced anywhere else in in the world.

“When that roof is closed and the stadium is full, it is for me the best atmosphere I’ve experienced. The crowd is so close to the pitch you can really feel it on top of you.

“And you know, you’re on the field and you can’t hear at times, you can’t hear a thing it’s that loud, the roof just keeps everything in. For fans to come and have that experience and as a player, to play in front of it is just unbelievably special.”

Halfpenny was also a key part of the RC Toulon team to secure a history-making Champions Cup hat-trick in 2015 – the first and only team to become champions of Europe three times in a row. Up against ASM Clermont Auvergne, the French side came from behind thanks to two penalties from Halfpenny’s boot. Commenting on his own experience of what it means to lift the coveted trophy, he said:

“I feel incredibly grateful to have been a small part of that and to create history. It was an amazing feeling and a moment I’ll never forget.

“The Champions Cup is the very best of the teams in Europe. You’re coming up against some incredibly strong teams, and there is extremely tough competition from the start, all the way through the pool stages, going home and away and playing at some incredible venues and stadiums.

“It’s a special competition. One of the best club competitions in the world, in my opinion. It’s phenomenal and I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have been able to win it.”

Liam Williams, another player to have tasted Champions Cup success, was part of the 2019 Saracens team that made history as the first English side to win the competition three times, defeating Leinster Rugby 20-10 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Reflecting on that season, he said: “It was a fantastic year for myself personally, playing in the squad that we had… 2019 was an unforgettable year. I loved every second of it. I think the whole game (the final) was just something to be a part of. To come away with a win and to win the cup was unbelievable.”

As a Welsh national, the Principality is a special place for Williams. “It’s the best stadium in the world. It is electric there. I’m sure the roof will be closed (for the final), so they’ll be keeping in that atmosphere and hopefully it goes on for the full 80 minutes.”

Another player to hold particularly fond memories of the Principality is RC Toulon’s Lewis Ludlam who recalls his first time playing at there. “Playing at the Principality’s special. I got my second international cap playing here. I remember being in the middle of the pitch when Wales scored, and my ears popped just because it was so loud with the roof on.

“There’s a special atmosphere here. When this place is buzzing, it’s unbelievable.”

Similarly, Glasgow Warriors’ Sione Vailanu had the chance to represent Tonga in Cardiff. Speaking about how it will live long in the memory, the number 8 said: “The best stadium I’ve played at? The Principality.

“In 2017 we played against Wales and it was a sold-out stadium. It’s one of the best stadiums I’ve played at in terms of atmosphere and the crowd singing all day – it’s crazy!”

As a two-time winner of the Champions Cup in 2006 and 2008, Munster Rugby is a club with a big history in the competition – and a big Round of 16 match ahead as they face fellow two-time winners Stade Rochelais, spearheaded by Munster legend Ronan O’Gara. Speaking about what it would mean to him and the club to reach the final this season, Irish scrumhalf Craig Casey said: “The history of Munster is based on the Champions Cup. When you can go far in the competition, you’ll see how many fans get behind you and there’s no better fanbase than the Munster fans to do that. They live on Europe.

“The two Champions Cup wins – everyone still talks about them… My uncle (Mossy Lawler) had been involved in them and when I was a youngster, I wanted that. I wanted to be involved in those parades – being in the open top bus and watching the fans in the city. That was me as a six- or seven-year-old, I was out there in thousands of Munster fans looking at the team driving through the town having unbelievable craic. I would love to recreate that as a player and hopefully it’ll be this year!”

Enhancing a rugby weekend in one of Europe’s most passionate rugby cities, as well as the thrilling on-field action, fans can expect two days of festivities surrounding the final, including the Champions Rugby Village fan zone, with entertainment, and a chance to celebrate rugby at its very best at Cardiff Arms Park.

Anticipation is already building as the top clubs return to EPCR action with the knockout stages kicking off this coming weekend. With the competition heating up and only the best teams remaining in the hunt for the coveted trophy, this year’s Final is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the 30^th season.

Tickets for the finals are now available, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots now to be part of this landmark event. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Dominic McKay, EPCR Chairman said: “50 days to go marks a milestone moment for fans, players, and teams alike as we move ever closer to this iconic final.

“EPCR competitions are a celebration of Europe and South Africa’s finest talent, and we can’t wait to see the best clubs battle it out. As the 30^th Champions Cup final, it will be one for the history books, and we’re excited to share it with fans of the game.”