EPCR Unveils Four Potential Semifinal Venues For 2026 Champions Cup Knockout Stage

The potential venues for the 2026 Champions Cup semifinals have been revealed, featuring stadiums in Dublin, Bordeaux, Edinburgh, and Milton Keynes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 6:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Strategic Selection Of Major European Rugby Venues

The organizers of the Champions Cup have officially shortlisted four stadiums to host the penultimate round of this season's elite European competition. The designated venues include Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole in France, Aviva Stadium in Ireland, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Scotland, and Stadium MK in England. These selections are designed to accommodate the high ticket demand typical of the knockout stages, following a previous season where semifinals in Dublin and Bordeaux each drew crowds exceeding 42,000 spectators. The specific site for each match will depend on which qualifying clubs secured the highest rankings during the initial pool phase.

Ranking Protocols For Determining Home Country Advantage

Following the quarterfinals scheduled for this weekend, the EPCR will finalize the semifinal pairings and award home country advantage based on established tournament seedings. Union Bordeaux Bègles, currently ranked first, is positioned to host their potential match at Stade Atlantique if they progress. Similarly, Glasgow Warriors, holding the second rank, would play their semifinal at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. This system ensures that performance during the early stages of the tournament directly impacts the logistical path to the final, rewarding the most consistent teams with familiar territory and domestic support.

Potential Matchups And Stadium Capacity Requirements

The list of possible fixtures presents several high profile scenarios across the four host nations. If Leinster Rugby advances as the third seed against RC Toulon, the match will be held at the 51,700 capacity Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Conversely, English clubs such as Bath Rugby or Northampton Saints could find themselves playing at Milton Keynes' Stadium MK, which offers a capacity of 30,500. The distribution of venues across different territories reflects the international nature of the competition and the need for neutral but accessible sites within the home country of the higher ranked participant.