Newcastle targets hosting 2018 European Champions Cup final

Aviva Premiership club Newcastle Falcons confirmed on Monday that the city will bid to host the European competition finals in 2018.

If the bid proves to be successful then Newcastle United's St James' Park will host the European Champions Cup final while the Newcastle Falcons' Kingston Park will stage the European Challenge Cup final.

The cities, who have made their bid will be shortlisted by 16th December which will be followed by inspection at the venues which will carry on till March 2017 with the final decision set to be announced in April next year.

St James' Park already has a successful track record of hosting 2015 Rugby World Cup games involving New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga and Samoa. The ground has also hosted Olympic football during the London 2012 Games.

Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley is confident of hosting the European finals successfully, if the final decision goes their way.

"The sell-out crowds we have welcomed - record attendances in many cases - pay testament to our ability to excel at the hosting of such high-profile sporting events. We would be delighted to host the 2018 European Rugby Champions Cup final at St James' Park," said Charnley in a statement released by Falcons.

And Newcastle Rugby Ltd managing director Mick Hogan added: "Securing the 2018 finals would be another significant boost for the development and growth of rugby in the region.

"The city has two great venues in St James' Park and Kingston Park Stadium, which would ensure a fantastic weekend of club rugby."

The bidding of Newcastle has also got full backing from Premiership Rugby.

"The north of England is crying out for a big rugby union final, and this match will deliver a big boost to the game in a hot-bed for the sport," Premiership Rugby's rugby director Phil Winstanley said.

"It is great to see so many organisations in the north-east coming together to support this bid, and it shows the commitment of the region to staging an unforgettable weekend of European rugby union. We believe this is the right bid for rugby to help develop the game in the north of England."