As the calendar marks the thrilling finals of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup this weekend, all eyes turn to Bilbao, the city chosen to host these prestigious events. The air is thick with anticipation as teams prepare to battle for the ultimate glory in European club rugby.
The vibrant Champions Rugby Village, nestled in the lush expanses of Doña Casilda Park and a stone's throw from the iconic San Mamés Stadium, is set to be the pulsating heart of the festivities. Admission is free, offering an array of attractions including live music, diverse food and drink options, and rugby-themed activities. Fans of all ages can immerse themselves in cultural showcases and rub shoulders with rugby legends, making it a festive hub for family and friends.
The rugby action commences with the EPCR Challenge Cup Final on Friday night, featuring Montpellier and Ulster, teams that triumphed over Dragons and Exeter respectively in hard-fought semifinals. The match will see Matthew Carley of England as the central referee, flanked by assistants Andrea Piardi from Italy and Craig Evans from Wales, while Scotland's Mike Adamson will serve as the TMO.
"We are delighted to bring the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals to even more fans on ITV and ITVX. More people than ever will now be able to watch this showpiece weekend on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May, live from Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium,"
John Barton, Chief Commercial Officer at EPCR, expressed following the announcement of the broadcast details.
Saturday's lineup will see Bordeaux-Begles clashing with Leinster in the Champions Cup Final, another spectacle that promises to captivate fans. Karl Dickson of England will lead as referee, assisted by Christophe Ridley and Hollie Davidson, with Marius van der Westhuizen overseeing as TMO.
"It’s great to be able to broadcast the finest European rugby talent across the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals, bringing the sport to a free-to-air audience on ITV and ITVX. The weekend will be action packed and one rugby fans will not want to miss,"
added Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, underscoring the excitement surrounding the broadcasts.
With the Champions Rugby Village opening its doors from 11:00 am to 01:00 am on both days, the stage is set for a memorable rugby fest. Fans are invited to enjoy the full spectrum of what rugby has to offer, both on and off the field, in a celebration that highlights the sport's enduring appeal and communal spirit.
As the teams line up and the referees ready their whistles, the rugby community converges on Bilbao, eager to witness history in the making. Whether you're a die-hard rugby aficionado or a newcomer to the sport, this weekend promises to deliver top-tier rugby action coupled with an unforgettable fan experience.
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As the calendar marks the thrilling finals of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup this weekend, all eyes turn to Bilbao, the city chosen to host these prestigious events. The air is thick with anticipation as teams prepare to battle for the ultimate glory in European club rugby.
The vibrant Champions Rugby Village, nestled in the lush expanses of Doña Casilda Park and a stone's throw from the iconic San Mamés Stadium, is set to be the pulsating heart of the festivities. Admission is free, offering an array of attractions including live music, diverse food and drink options, and rugby-themed activities. Fans of all ages can immerse themselves in cultural showcases and rub shoulders with rugby legends, making it a festive hub for family and friends.
The rugby action commences with the EPCR Challenge Cup Final on Friday night, featuring Montpellier and Ulster, teams that triumphed over Dragons and Exeter respectively in hard-fought semifinals. The match will see Matthew Carley of England as the central referee, flanked by assistants Andrea Piardi from Italy and Craig Evans from Wales, while Scotland's Mike Adamson will serve as the TMO.
"We are delighted to bring the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals to even more fans on ITV and ITVX. More people than ever will now be able to watch this showpiece weekend on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May, live from Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium,"
John Barton, Chief Commercial Officer at EPCR, expressed following the announcement of the broadcast details.Saturday's lineup will see Bordeaux-Begles clashing with Leinster in the Champions Cup Final, another spectacle that promises to captivate fans. Karl Dickson of England will lead as referee, assisted by Christophe Ridley and Hollie Davidson, with Marius van der Westhuizen overseeing as TMO.
"It’s great to be able to broadcast the finest European rugby talent across the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals, bringing the sport to a free-to-air audience on ITV and ITVX. The weekend will be action packed and one rugby fans will not want to miss,"
added Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, underscoring the excitement surrounding the broadcasts.With the Champions Rugby Village opening its doors from 11:00 am to 01:00 am on both days, the stage is set for a memorable rugby fest. Fans are invited to enjoy the full spectrum of what rugby has to offer, both on and off the field, in a celebration that highlights the sport's enduring appeal and communal spirit.
As the teams line up and the referees ready their whistles, the rugby community converges on Bilbao, eager to witness history in the making. Whether you're a die-hard rugby aficionado or a newcomer to the sport, this weekend promises to deliver top-tier rugby action coupled with an unforgettable fan experience.