Heineken Cup Final in Dublin

European rugby bosses have confirmed that this season’s Heineken Cup final will be held at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road on Saturday May 24.

European rugby bosses have confirmed that this season’s Heineken Cup final will be held at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road on Saturday May 24, the second time that the European showpiece has been staged there.

Jean-Pierre Lux, the French chairman of ERC, said of the venue decision: “In confirming the venue before the Pool stages of the tournament get underway on October 11, it means everyone knows where European club rugby’s 2002/3 showpiece occasion will be staged – from today all Heineken Cup roads lead to the Irish capital.

“In 1999 it was a magnificent, vibrant and special occasion and everyone is looking forward to a repeat of that on 24 May, 2003.”

Philip Browne, the Chief Executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union, declared: “It is fantastic news that Dublin will host the 2003 Heineken Cup final, which is sure to be a magnificent rugby weekend and memorable occasion. Such a high profile event is an excellent opportunity both to promote the game in Ireland and the country itself.”

Based on an approximate 30,000 visitors coming to Dublin specifically for the weekend of the final, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce reports that €;40 to €;50 million will be generated to the Exchequer. That critical contribution during a troubled period for tourism in Ireland would be greater if measured against the facility of a rugby stadium with a 60,000 capacity.

The news that the Heineken cup final will be held in Ireland will also now give Munster another incentive to put all thoughts of last years final out of their minds, and concentrate on winning the cup in Dublin.