All EPCR staff will be transferring permanently across Switzerland to new offices on Boulevard de Grancy in the heart of the Olympic capital on the shores of Lake Geneva.

An EPCR release read: "As well as the obvious administrative benefits of relocating to a city which already has 57 other sporting organisations, the move will provide EPCR staff with easier access to an international airport.

"Furthermore, EPCR will also accelerate its development through strategic relationships and partnerships in a dynamic city renowned for business, science and academia."

To mark this development, EPCR will stage the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup pool draws for the 2018-2019 season in Lausanne's iconic Olympic Museum on June 20.

EPCR chief executive, Vincent Gaillard, said: "We are proud that EPCR will join such an illustrious list of sporting organisations in Lausanne and across the Canton of Vaud which is the latest step in our continued and exciting evolution.

"We have established firm foundations in Neuchatel with valued support from the local authorities, for which we warmly thank all involved.

"We are now looking forward to being part of a dynamic sporting community which logistically provides us with a great base from which to create outstanding rugby experiences across Europe."

Oscar Tosato, Municipal Councillor for Sport and Social Cohesion for the City of Lausanne, added: "We are delighted that EPCR has chosen the Olympic capital to set up its headquarters.

"We are looking forward to welcoming them within our growing international sport community.

"The City of Lausanne is proud to be the home of international sport and the addition of EPCR, who continuously work to develop rugby, is proof that our efforts to provide an environment that is conducive to the development of sports organisations are effective."

The EPCR has overseen the growth of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup, and has also created the European Rugby Continental Shield while building on the traditions of the professional club game which was established in 1995.

Both the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup registered record average attendances in 2016-2017.

This season's ground-breaking finals will be staged outside of the traditional Six Nations for the first time when Bilbao in Spain plays host in May.

With matches taking place in 13 different countries, and with the Continental Shield offering valuable opportunities for newer markets, EPCR will continue to enlarge the footprint of the game in Europe from its new base in Lausanne.

Phillippe Leuba, state councillor in charge of the Department of Economy, Innovation and Sport of the Canton of Vaud, said: "It's a pleasure to welcome them to the Olympic Capital, and we look forward to supporting their development in every way we can."