In a groundbreaking move, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are poised to make history by competing in the first-ever Super League fixture in Ireland, scheduled for April 2027. The highly anticipated match will be held at the newly renovated Laya Arena, a 20,000-capacity stadium and home of Leinster Rugby Union, on Saturday, April 24, with a kick-off time of 5:30 pm. This follows their previous encounter in Las Vegas in 2025, as the teams continue to push boundaries and explore new territories. The same weekend will also feature a matchup between St Helens and Hull FC at the same venue, marking a significant milestone for rugby league in Ireland.
The Laya Arena, located in the heart of Dublin, has undergone an impressive €52m (£44.5m) transformation. Although this will be the first Super League game held in Ireland, Warrington and Wigan have previously met in Dublin, first in 1934 at Shelbourne Park, and then in 1995 when Wigan faced Leeds in a Charity Shield fixture.
Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'This is another landmark moment for our club, for Super League, and for the sport of rugby league. Following the success of our projects in Las Vegas and Paris, and the appetite shown for taking our game to new audiences, Dublin is the perfect next destination.' He emphasized that this move is about more than just the game, as it presents an opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for supporters, attract new audiences, and further establish Super League's presence beyond its traditional strongholds. Fitzpatrick also praised the city's reputation for hosting major international events and expressed excitement about the prospect of thousands of Wire supporters traveling to Dublin.
Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski shared similar sentiments, highlighting Dublin's exceptional reputation for hosting major sporting events and its potential to provide the perfect stage for showcasing the sport. Radlinski emphasized the importance of creating an occasion that will appeal to both lifelong supporters and newcomers to the sport, and he expressed confidence that the combined efforts of Wigan and Warrington fans will result in an electric atmosphere. The fixture is part of Sky Sports' comprehensive coverage of the Super League, which includes live broadcasts of every game this season, with two matches per round available exclusively on the network and the remaining five matches on Sky Sports+.