Press Release From The Welsh Rugby Union

WRU Group Chief Executive David Moffett is all set to open negotiations with the Rugby League to bring the Challenge Cup final back to Cardiff next year.
The first staging of rugby league’s biggest annual event in Wales last weekend proved an outstanding success with Bradford Bulls just edging out Leeds Rhinos.
The chief executive of the Rugby Football League, Richard Lewis, has already confirmed that “Cardiff is obviously in the running for next year” and that he had received “tremendous feedback” following last weekend’s game.
“The Rugby Football League officials we met at the Millennium Stadium last weekend were thrilled with the reception the Challenge Cup final received in Cardiff and I am arranging to meet with their chief executive, Richard Lewis, to
discuss terms to bring the final back to the Welsh capital next year,” said Mr Moffett.
“The crowd of almost 72,000 was a 10,000 increase on the gate at Murrayfield the previous year and I am confident we can
improve on that figure if the game returns next year. The fans of both sides had a wonderful day out and joined the players in praising the setting for the final.
“It would appear the Millennium Stadium has convinced a new set of fans from a different sport that it is one of the best stadia in the world. Cardiff, too, benefited hugely once again with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars all doing great business on the back of yet another major sporting event promoted by the Millennium Stadium.
“There is no better city and stadium combination in the UK at which to host major events and we will be actively pursuing more major European sporting events to bring to Cardiff in the near future.”
The RFL are considering a change of date for the Challenge Cup final next year, with a switch to mid-June or September the main options.
“We would have no problem fitting in with either of those two dates and I’m sure we can use the impetus and impact of last weekend to convince them to return in the future,” added Mr Moffett.