In a groundbreaking move for the sport, the Warrington Wolves and the Wigan Warriors are set to make history in 2027 by taking part in the first Super League match ever staged on Irish soil. The historic clash will be held at Dublin’s newly‑renovated Laya Arena – the home ground of Leinster Rugby – on Saturday, 24 April 2027, with the teams kicking off at 5:30 p.m. local time.
Both clubs have already tasted the novelty of playing outside the traditional heartlands. They met previously in Las Vegas in 2025, a bold experiment that proved the appetite for rugby league in non‑traditional markets.
Now they will travel to a different continent, this time to the capital of Ireland, to showcase the game in front of a fresh audience. The Laya Arena, which has been transformed into a modern 20,000‑seat venue after a €52 million (£44.5 million) redevelopment, offers a state‑of‑the‑art setting for what promises to be a landmark weekend of rugby league. The following day, Sunday 25 April, St Helens will take on Hull FC at the same stadium, rounding off a two‑day festival that aims to cement Ireland’s place on the Super League map.
The venue sits in the heart of Dublin, a city renowned for its ability to host world‑class sporting events, from rugby union internationals to major concerts and cultural gatherings. This strategic choice reflects the league’s broader ambition to reach new fans and grow the sport beyond its traditional northern English and Welsh strongholds. Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick captured the significance of the occasion, stating, "This is another landmark moment for our club, for Super League and for the sport of rugby league. Following the success of the Las Vegas and Paris projects, and the appetite shown for taking our game to new audiences, Dublin is the perfect next destination.
It is a world‑class sporting city with a proven track record of hosting major international events and provides another outstanding opportunity to showcase our sport on the big stage." Fitzpatrick went on to stress that the event is about far more than a single 80‑minute match. "It is an opportunity to create another unforgettable experience for our supporters, attract new audiences and continue building the profile of Super League beyond its traditional heartlands. Our fans have a fantastic reputation for travelling in huge numbers, and we're excited to see thousands of Wire supporters turn Dublin primrose and blue next April as they become part of history." Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski echoed these sentiments, adding, "The opportunity to take a Super League fixture to Dublin is another exciting step forward for Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and the sport of rugby league.
Dublin has an outstanding reputation for hosting major sporting events and provides the perfect stage for two proud clubs and two passionate sets of supporters to showcase everything that makes our game special." Radlinski highlighted the broader vision behind the move: "This is about creating an occasion that people want to be part of, whether they're lifelong supporters or discovering rugby league for the very first time. Our supporters have embraced every adventure we've taken them on in recent years, and I'm sure both Wigan and Warrington fans will once again create an unforgettable atmosphere. Hopefully this will become another successful chapter in rugby league's growth story and show what can be achieved when we're prepared to think differently and be ambitious." The choice of Dublin is steeped in historical precedent. The two clubs first met on Irish soil at Shelbourne Park back in 1934, a match that remains a footnote in the sport’s early expansion attempts.
More recently, Wigan returned to the capital in 1995 to face Leeds in a Charity Shield fixture, demonstrating that the city has long been a receptive venue for high‑profile rugby league encounters. From a logistical standpoint, the Laya Arena’s recent redevelopment has equipped it with cutting‑edge facilities, including premium hospitality suites, advanced lighting and sound systems, and a versatile pitch that can accommodate both rugby union and league configurations. The €52 million investment underscores Ireland’s commitment to delivering world‑class sporting experiences and provides a fitting backdrop for the Super League’s inaugural Irish showcase.
Fans attending the matches can expect a full day of entertainment beyond the on‑field action. The weekend will feature fan zones with interactive rugby league experiences, live music from local Irish artists, and culinary stalls offering a blend of traditional Irish fare and international cuisine. Organisers aim to create a festival atmosphere that will appeal to families, newcomers to the sport, and die‑hard supporters alike. Broadcast partners have also ensured that the games will reach a global audience.
Sky Sports will televise every Super League match this season, with two fixtures each round shown live on the main channel and the remaining five broadcast via Sky Sports+. This comprehensive coverage guarantees that viewers in the UK, Ireland, and beyond can follow the historic Dublin showdown in real time. Tickets for the Dublin fixtures are already on sale, with a range of pricing options to accommodate different budgets.
Early‑bird packages include access to pre‑match entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and the chance to meet club legends during post‑match sessions. The clubs are encouraging supporters to travel in large numbers, promising special travel arrangements and accommodation deals in partnership with Dublin’s hospitality sector. In summary, the upcoming Warrington versus Wigan match, followed by St Helens versus Hull FC, represents a bold step in the Super League’s strategy to broaden its geographic footprint and engage new fans.
By choosing Dublin—a city with a rich sporting heritage, modern infrastructure, and a welcoming populace—the league is positioning itself for a successful expansion experiment. The event is expected to generate significant media buzz, attract tourism revenue, and, most importantly, deliver a memorable rugby league experience that could pave the way for future fixtures in Ireland and other emerging markets.
The excitement is palpable among players, officials, and supporters alike. As the countdown to April 2027 begins, all eyes will be on the Laya Arena, ready to witness a historic chapter in rugby league history unfold in the heart of Dublin.