The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced that the 2025 JD Welsh Cup final and Bute Energy Welsh Cup final will be hosted at Rodney Parade. This marks the second consecutive year that Newport will be the venue for Wales’ two most prestigious cup competitions, following last season’s success when Connah’s Quay Nomads and Cardiff City emerged victorious.
Last season’s Bute Energy Welsh Cup final between Cardiff City and Wrexham at Rodney Parade drew a record attendance of 1,734, showcasing the growing popularity of the competition. This season, the Bute Energy Welsh Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025, with the JD Welsh Cup final following on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Details such as kick-off times, ticket information, and television coverage will be announced at a later date.
The journey to Rodney Parade begins this weekend with the first qualifying round of the JD Welsh Cup, while the Bute Energy Welsh Cup qualifying round is set for September. Rhys Blumberg, CEO of Dragons RFC, expressed his excitement about hosting the cup finals for the second year in a row, highlighting the exceptional match day experience provided to fans last season. He looks forward to surpassing expectations and creating a memorable occasion for the finalists, wishing all competing teams the best of luck.
Jack Sharp, FAW Head of Domestic Leagues, emphasized the importance of selecting a premier venue in Cymru for the cup finals. After considering various options, the decision to return to Rodney Parade was made to build on the success of last season’s finals. With a full season ahead to plan marketing campaigns and engage with fans, Sharp is optimistic about delivering two more fantastic cup finals with a focus on enhancing the fan experience.
The FAW’s priority was to give clubs and supporters clarity on the final venue in advance, allowing ample time for preparations. This approach aims to enable everyone involved to plan effectively and ensure a smooth and enjoyable conclusion to the competitions. The anticipation is building for the 2025 JD Welsh Cup and Bute Energy Welsh Cup finals at Rodney Parade, promising exciting matches and a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees.