The organisers of the competition, European Rugby Cup, were criticised last season for deciding the venue for the final in advance of the tournament.

Two French clubs - Toulouse and Perpignan - ended up reaching the showpiece at Lansdowne Road in Dublin and ticket sales were poor as a result.

But ERC chief executive Derek McGrath defended the decision to again select the venue in advance.

"Announcing the venue now is in the best interests of the Heineken Cup as it adds focus value and incentive to the tournament," he said.

He was backed by RFU chief executive Francis Baron.

"We're delighted to hold the final here at Twickenham. We agree entirely with the ERC's decision to announce the venue prior to the start of the tournament.

"We do believe we will get a sell-out next May."

The European rugby showpiece returns to the home of English rugby for the first time since the 2000 final.

And it will be the first final held on a Sunday since the inaugural competition in 1996, when reigning champions Toulouse beat Cardiff in extra time.

Tickets for next year's final will go on sale on Wednesday, 3 December and an initial batch of 5,000 will be offered at prices ranging between �20 to �45.