The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff — where Irish clubs have won three of their six Heineken Cup titles — has been confirmed as the venue for next season’s final. And the Arms Park beside the Millennium Stadium will stage the Amlin Challenge Cup final next year after the French Rugby Federation withdrew from hosting the two European finals because of uncertainty over the availability of Stade de France.

Cardiff has hosted the Heineken Cup final six times with Munster victorious there against Biarritz in 2006 and against Toulouse two years later. Leinster won their second Heineken Cup title there in 2011 when they defeated Northampton.

Speaking at today’s announcement in Cardiff, ERC Chief Executive, Derek McGrath, said: “With fans from all corners of Europe set to travel to Wales next May, we see Cardiff as a hugely appealing setting for the finals weekend which has developed into one of the great events in Europe’s sporting calendar.

“We will be working with the WRU, the Welsh Assembly Government, Visit Wales and Cardiff City Council to ensure that all supporters will enjoy a thoroughly positive experience.

“Cardiff has been the setting for some of the great finals in the past and in many ways, European club rugby is returning home. I have no doubt that the 2014 weekend at the Cardiff Arms Park and the Millennium Stadium will be yet another celebration of all that is good about European club rugby.”