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Rugby Union

Murrayfield to host 2009 Heineken Cup final

19/05/2008

Murrayfield has won the hosting rights for the Heineken Cup final next year.

European Rugby Cup (ERC) - the tournament organisers - announced the decision today, ensuring the Edinburgh stadium will host the showpiece event for the second time.

The last final at the ground was in 2005, when an all-French fixture saw Toulouse beat Top 14 rivals Stade Francais 18-12 in front of over 51,000 fans.

"We are delighted to be bringing the Heineken Cup final back to Scotland and congratulations to Scottish Rugby on securing the Heineken Cup 2009 final for Edinburgh," said ERC chief executive Derek McGrath.

"The 2005 final at Murrayfield was a compelling match and the annual climax of the Heineken Cup tournament is now a must-see event - witness next Saturday's final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff between Munster and Toulouse."

McGrath said fans in Scotland could "look forward to a festival of European rugby in Edinburgh", adding the region would benefit from "a significant financial windfall" in the region of £15 to £20 million.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie said the organisation is "honoured and delighted to have secured one of the world's flagship sporting events" for the 67,000 capacity venue.

"Once again [this announcement] demonstrates Scottish Rugby's commitment to hosting world-class premium events at Murrayfield Stadium," he said.

"We very much look forward to working in partnership with our key stakeholders to ensure that the Heineken Cup final 2009 is a fantastic success both for Edinburgh and Scotland."