Northampton fans

THE FINAL of the 2011 LV= Cup will be held at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday March 20. Current title holders Northampton Saints will provide the final venue for the LV= Cup, which will see either Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins, Newport Gwent Dragons or Newcastle Falcons battle it out for the title and with it, a place in Europe’s Heineken Cup.

Northampton Saints’ Chairman Keith Barwell commented, “We were delighted to have been approached by the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby to stage the LV= Cup final at Franklin’s Gardens. Having won the competition last year, Northampton Saints are honoured to be hosting the final, and no doubt whoever lifts the cup will find the success as beneficial as we have done.”

“I am sure it will be an exciting occasion with supporters from both sides and indeed from the local area coming out to watch cup final rugby.”

The Rugby Football Union’s Competitions Manager Chris Burns said, “We considered a variety of venues for the LV= Cup final and concluded that Franklin’s Gardens offered the ideal location and ground capacity. The stadium itself is one of the best in the Aviva Premiership and presents a large range of facilities to make for an enjoyable match day experience. There will be numerous events going on in the build up to the game, including a supporters’ village.”

The finalists of the LV= Cup will be confirmed following Harlequins vs. Newcastle Falcons, Friday March 11 and Gloucester Rugby vs. Newport Gwent-Dragons, Sunday March 13.

Tickets for the LV= Cup semi-finals can be purchased via www.quins.co.uk or www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Tickets for the final will be available to purchase directly from the finalists following the semi-finals.