Heineken Cup Final 2004

The finalists, who will be known four weeks before the event, will be entitled to 12,500 tickets each.

However, all but a handful of the remaining 50,000 tickets have been snapped up with the 'full house' signs ready to go up on a record 75,000 capacity crowd.

'The phenomenal interest in this ninth Heineken Cup final clearly demonstrates that, although we are over three weeks away from knowing the finalists, the event is now regarded as a lot more than just a match,' said Derek McGrath, Chief Executive of ERC, the tournament organisers.

'The glittering climax of the European club rugby season is now looked upon as a not-to-be-missed occasion, the main event on the club calendar, and I am sure we will have a fantastic atmosphere and match at Twickenham on 23 May.'

Reigning champions Toulouse, Stade Franà§ais Paris and Biarritz Olympique are the trio of French clubs still in the title hunt along with English pair Gloucester and London Wasps.

Munster, Llanelli Scarlets and Edinburgh Rugby will fly the flag for Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Edinburgh Rugby are the first Scottish side to qualify for the last eight as five nations contest the quarter-finals - to be played on 9 / 10 / 11 April - for the first time.