Dublin to host Super League matches in April 2027
Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are set to make history in 2027 by playing the first-ever Super League fixture in Ireland. The match will take place at the Laya Arena, home of Leinster Rugby Union, in Dublin on Saturday, April 24, 2027.
Following this, St Helens will face Hull FC at the same venue on Sunday, April 25, 2027, as part of a significant weekend for Rugby League in Ireland. The Laya Arena, located in the heart of Dublin, has recently undergone a €52m (£44.5m) transformation and boasts a capacity exceeding 20,000, making it one of Europe’s modern sporting venues.
Super League’s expansion to Dublin
The decision to bring Super League matches to Dublin reflects an ongoing effort to expand the sport’s reach beyond its traditional areas. Karl Fitzpatrick, CEO of Warrington Wolves, described the event as another landmark moment for the club, Super League, and the sport of rugby league. He noted that Dublin, a city with a proven track record of hosting major international events, is an ideal location to showcase the sport on a larger stage.
Fitzpatrick highlighted that the event is intended to be more than just a rugby league match, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for supporters and attract new audiences. He expressed excitement about the prospect of thousands of Wire supporters travelling to Dublin, becoming part of this historical occasion.
Kris Radlinski, CEO of Wigan Warriors, echoed these sentiments, calling the opportunity to bring a Super League fixture to Dublin an exciting step forward for both clubs and the sport. He emphasised Dublin’s reputation for hosting major sporting events and its ability to provide a perfect setting for the passionate supporters of both teams.
While this marks the first Super League game in Ireland, Warrington and Wigan previously played in Dublin at Shelbourne Park in 1934. Wigan also returned to the city in 1995 for a Charity Shield fixture against Leeds.
Fan experience and future prospects
The event is designed to offer supporters a chance to experience Super League in one of Europe’s vibrant destinations. Dublin’s rich sporting heritage, lively culture, and renowned hospitality are expected to make it a popular choice for visiting fans. Eamonn McManus, Chairman of St.Helens R.F.C., expressed confidence that Saints fans would travel in large numbers, alongside supporters from Hull, Warrington, and Wigan.
McManus also anticipated significant interest from the people of Ireland, viewing the weekend as a prime opportunity to showcase the sport and its following in a major global sporting city. He urged fans to mark the weekend in their diaries, with further information regarding ticketing and travel arrangements to be announced in due course.
The matches in Dublin are part of a regular round of the Betfred Super League season. St.Helens will be considered the home side for their fixture against Hull FC. Both Wigan and Warrington are hopeful of attracting a capacity crowd of 20,000 in Dublin.
This initiative follows previous ventures by Super League clubs to new locations, including Las Vegas and Paris. The aim is to continue building the profile of Super League beyond its traditional strongholds, demonstrating what can be achieved through ambitious and innovative approaches.
Sky Sports is scheduled to broadcast every Super League game live this season, including two exclusive matches each round, with the remaining five fixtures available on Sky Sports+.
Further details regarding ticketing, hospitality, and additional supporter information for the Dublin matches will be released soon.
Source: skysports.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
