European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals moved out of Marseille

The organisers of the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup have decided to move this season's finals out of Marseille due to Covid-19 restrictions.

This is the second time in consecutive seasons Stade Velodrome will miss out on the chance to host the finals following the pandemic coronavirus and now has been chosen has the venue for the 2022 finals with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London scheduled to host the 2023 edition.

This season's Champions Cup semi-finals will be played at the venues of the home clubs. The draw for the last four will take place on 11th April following the conclusion of quarter-finals.

"After consultation with the relevant local authorities in France and given the evolving public health situation, the board concluded that in order to reduce cross-border travel where possible and to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission, flexibility was required regarding the choice of venues for the finals on May 21 and 22," read a statement from EPCR.

"EPCR is working with its shareholder leagues and unions to put in place alternative arrangements for the staging of the two matches with all contingencies underpinned by the primary concern of protecting the health and welfare of players, club staff, match officials, fans, and the wider rugby community.

"The 2022 finals will now be played in Marseille on May 27 and 28, with European club rugby's blue riband weekend scheduled for London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2023."