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The Spanish city of Bilbao has been chosen to host next season’s European finals
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It’s the first time the games will be staged outside traditional rugby union countries
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The finals will be played at the San Mames Stadium
European club rugby will break new ground as the city of Bilbao will host 2018’s Champions Cup, Challenge Cup and Continental Shield finals.
Meanwhile Newcastle has been awarded the prestigious weekend festival for 2019.
“Bilbao is an excellent destination which breaks new ground for our tournaments and we see this as a big step in the expansion of our sport across the continent,” said European Professional Club Rugby chairman Simon Halliday.
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, which covers part of south west France and includes Biarritz, who play in the second tier of French rugby.
This year’s Challenge Cup and Champions Cup finals take place at Murrayfield in Scotland on 12 and 13 May.