EPCR has announced that the city of Marseille will host the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals on May 22 and 23.
The two matches will be played at the iconic Stade de Marseille.
Marseille will become the fourth French city along with Bordeaux, Paris and Lyon to stage a European Cup final.
Marseille was previously in the European club spotlight when the city staged the 2010 Challenge Cup decider between the Cardiff Blues and Toulon, however, 2020 will mark the first occasion that the 67,000-capacity stadium hosts the final of the tournament.
Commenting on the announcement, EPCR Director General, Vincent Gaillard, told EPCR’s website: “While France is a traditional stronghold of the great game of rugby, a European finals weekend in the city of Marseille will be a whole new experience both for local fans and for our loyal supporters who travel in their tens of thousands year after year.
“Having made history in Bilbao last season, and with all roads leading to Newcastle this season, we are certain that Marseille and the state-of-the art Stade de Marseille will deliver a truly memorable weekend on the Cote d’Azur as we celebrate the European Cup’s 25th anniversary.”
Jean-Claude Gaudin, Mayor of Marseille, said: “In selecting our city, EPCR has recognised a remarkable collective work on a successful bid project, worthy of the expectations of this major sporting event, which commands the attention and enthusiasm of the rugby world. After the European Year of Culture in 2013, UEFA EURO 2016, the European Year of Sport 2017, the Rugby World Cup 2023 and the hosting of the sailing events of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, staging this top European club rugby weekend is further recognition for Marseille, now making us a member of an elite circle of sporting cities.”
The winning bid for the 2021 finals will be announced at a later date.