NOTE  – AS OF 30TH JUNE 2009 BOTH ULSTER RUGBY AND ERC RUGBY ARE SHOWING THAT A VENUE HAS YET TO BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MATCH.

Due to stadium refurbishments at Stade Jean Bouin the 2009 – 2010 Heineken match between Stade Francais and Ulster may be held at Stade du Roi Baudouin in Brussels. Haven’t been there but here’s what Lonely Planet say -

If ever a city could claim split personality, it’s Brussels. French versus Flemish, historic versus hip, bizarre versus boring. Full of contrasts, contradictions and intrigue, this is a multicultural equation that goes much deeper than just red tape and Eurocrats. An historic heirloom is closer to the mark. And in an age where so much is already discovered, Belgium’s capital seduces as one of Western Europe’s unknowns.

Brussels is a city of fine food, café culture, Art Nouveau architecture and the surreal. Pull up a chair and join laissez-faire locals who value the city’s casual atmosphere. Watch money go down on swish Ave Louise or buy dried caterpillars just blocks away in Matonge, the capital’s African quarter. Some of the world’s most enduring images of surrealist art were created in the nondescript northern suburb of Jette. And the architecture ranges from monumental edifices such as the Grand Place to organic Art Nouveau façades and the EU’s real-life Gotham City.

How to get there.

There are direct flights from Dublin via Aer Lingus and Ryanair. There are more expensive options available with EasyJet via Geneva (requires overnight stop in Geneva on return), Flybe via Manchester and BMI/bmibaby via East Midlands. 

How to get Tickets

If they are using the 50,000 Stade du Roi Baudouin it shouldn’t be a problem to get tickets. Ulster Rugby will have an allocation but if you go directly to Stade Francais it is likely that there will be less expensive options available.

How to get to the ground.

Stade du Roi Baudouin is the renamed and refurbished Heysel Stadium. It’s a 20 minute taxi ride from the city centre out to Stade du Roi Baudouin or an 90 minute walk if you’re feeling energetic.

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At the minute we don’t have any more information so until we suss it out I suggest you try the Lonely Planet Guide for hotels, restaurants and bars.