Elite rugby will be back in Bilbao in 2026

The San Mamés stadium will once again host the finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Investec Champions Cup in 2026.

I n 2018, when Bilbao hosted the same event, the experience was sensational both for the territory itself and for the world of the oval ball.

The city was packed with fans from all over the peninsula and the continent. It was a great rugby celebration in the street, before and after the game.

The oval community wore shirts from all over the world, toasted regardless of nationalities and the badges that adorned their chests, and even the fan zone that was set up became too small and spread out into the streets. Activities of all kinds spread rugby through Bilbao and Bilbao through the rugby world.

The commitment and cooperation of the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and the Bilbao City Council have ensured that the experience will be repeated and that the top level rugby show will once again be held at San Mamés in 2026.

Bizkaia is one of the territories where rugby has been and is an important sport, with clubs such as Universitario Bilbao, Getxo, Gernika, Kakarraldo, Durango, Elorrio, Mungia and Arratia.

That is the reason why this great event is particularly intense.

A word of advice, be sure of the dates and book accommodation now. Then get ready for the melee.