The two showpiece matches will see fans return to the home of English rugby for the first time in 2021, with RFU CEO and EPCR Board Member Bill Sweeney “delighted” to have supporters back.

“Having not had any fans at Twickenham Stadium since the Autumn Nations Cup final last December, we’re delighted to be able to welcome back up to 10,000 on Friday and again on Saturday for what should be two exciting EPCR finals,” he said.

“The fans really do make the game and we hope everyone is looking forward to attending live rugby again at Twickenham.

“The RFU and EPCR teams have been working extremely hard since it was announced Twickenham Stadium would host these matches to get everything ready for the return of fans.

“I’d like to thank everyone for all their efforts to put in place various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all those attending each match.”

EPCR CEO Vincent Gaillard added: “Five out of 25 European champions have been crowned in this historic stadium and so many people have worked incredibly hard to make sure that it will happen once again this weekend.

“We are very grateful for the collaboration with the RFU and everyone at Twickenham Stadium and are delighted that so many fans will be back to bring the colour and passion that are the hallmarks of these tournaments.”

European Finals Weekend facts and stats

An aggregate of 500 National Health Service (NHS) staff members have snapped up tickets for the two matches offered by tournament organisers EPCR, in partnership with Heineken.

The gesture recognises the dedication and bravery of health workers in battling against the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging that without their work playing in front of 10,000 fans would not be possible.

Over 130 sanitiser stations will be available to encourage good hand hygiene.

Face coverings will be mandatory within the stadium, unless a spectator is in an assigned seat consuming food or beverages.

Social distancing will be required at all times.

All spectators are required to read and sign up to a code of conduct and watch a mandatory ‘what to expect’ video before attending the game. Video available here.

Staffing levels will be above normal for a crowd of this size to enforce social distancing and COVID measures.

Food, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee will be available on the concourse at the Union 15 and nine other concessionaire units, while all ten bars on the concourse will be open to serve drinks.

On a typical match day at Twickenham Stadium there would be 41 food/drink concessionaire units, but for these matches there will be ten.

EPCR and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) are excited to be able to welcome 10,000 fans to Twickenham Stadium for the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup finals this weekend.