THE Millennium Stadium will host this season's Heineken Cup final on May 25. In a break with tradition European Rugby Cup organisers have announced the venue for the final at the start of the tournament.

It gets under way next week, Newport at Newcastle a week Saturday night. "We want to bring the profile of the tournament to a much wider audience. We want to create a momentum and build it throughout the tournament, bringing even more interest," explained ERC chief executive Derek McGrath.

Admitting it could be a risk as no 'home' team could be involved in the final, McGrath added: "This is now a major sporting event and there are many logistical issues. "Four weeks (the notice for previous final cup venues) to plan a huge event is not enough."

Millennium Stadium and Welsh Rugby Union chairman Glanmor Griffiths said: "We are proud to host the 2002 Heineken Cup final.

"We staged the first one in 1996 and the next in 1997. It means on May 4 we host the FA Cup final, on May 11 the Football League play-offs, on May 18 the Principality Cup final and on May 25 the European Cup final."

McGrath also revealed that extra time, where necessary, will be 20 minutes not 30 and that water carriers will not be allowed on to the pitch. Players must go to the touchline for rehydration.

After the pool stages clubs can replace one of their front row forwards with a further player who can play in the front row. And all sixth round matches will kick off at the same time to prevent any team gaining an advantage.

Wales centre Scott Gibbs has confirmed he has retired from international rugby after winning 53 caps. Family reasons were behind his decision and he plans to carry on skippering Swansea.

Gibbs made his debut in 1991 and his highlight came in 1999 when his last ditch try enabled Wales to snatch victory against England.

He spent three years in rugby league in the mid-90s and went on three British Lions tours, this year as a replacement to Australia.