Newcastle to host 2019 European rugby finals

St James’ Park will stage the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals. Credit: PA

Newcastle has been chosen to host the European rugby finals in May 2019.

The news forms part of a double announcement which sees the 2018 finals awarded to Bilbao in Spain.

Newcastle United’s St James’ Park will stage the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals, with Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park Stadium hosting the European Rugby Continental Shield final.

Combined, they form one of the biggest weekends in club rugby, generating over €20.4 million in total economic impact.

It will all take place on the weekend of 10th/11th May, 2019.

The bid is a joint partnership between Newcastle City Council, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Newcastle United Football Club and Newcastle Rugby Limited.

Councillor Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said:

Echoing that enthusiasm, Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United Football Club, said:

Mick Hogan, managing director of Newcastle Rugby Ltd, said: