In an unprecedented move for the sport, the Warrington Wolves and the Wigan Warriors are set to make history in 2027 by taking part in the very first Super League match ever staged on Irish soil. The historic showdown will be held at Dublin's 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. This landmark fixture follows the two clubs' recent encounter in Las Vegas in 2025 and represents a bold step onto a newly‑rebuilt stadium that now seats roughly 20,000 spectators after a €52 million (approximately £44.5 million) redevelopment. The excitement does not end with the Wolves‑Warriors clash. The following day, Sunday 25 April, St Helens will travel to the same venue to take on Hull FC, completing a weekend that promises to be a watershed moment for rugby league in Ireland.
The Laya Arena, situated in the heart of Dublin, has been transformed into a world‑class sporting hub capable of hosting major international events, and the back‑to‑back games are intended to showcase the sport to a broader audience while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans. While this will be the inaugural Super League fixture on Irish turf, the city does have a modest rugby league heritage.
Warrington and Wigan first met in Dublin back in 1934 at Shelbourne Park, and Wigan returned in 1995 for a Charity Shield match against Leeds. Those earlier visits are now being eclipsed by a much larger, more ambitious project that aims to cement Dublin as a regular stop on the Super League calendar. Warrington Wolves chief executive 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 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." He emphasized that the event is about far more than a single 80‑minute match, describing it as an opportunity to create a lasting memory for existing supporters, attract new fans, and expand the profile of the Super League beyond its traditional heartlands.
Fitzpatrick added that Warrington fans are renowned for traveling in large numbers and that he expects thousands of "Wire" supporters to drape Dublin in the club's signature primrose and blue colours. Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski echoed similar sentiments, noting, "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 inclusive nature of the event, saying it is designed to appeal both to lifelong followers and to those who may be encountering rugby league for the first time.
He praised the dedication of Wigan's fan base, confident that the supporters will once again generate an electric atmosphere, and expressed hope that the Dublin games will become a recurring chapter in the sport's growth narrative. The broader strategic aim behind the Dublin weekend is to demonstrate the viability of expanding the Super League's geographic footprint. By selecting a city with a strong infrastructure, a vibrant sporting culture, and a proven ability to host large‑scale events, the league hopes to tap into new markets, increase television viewership, and attract sponsorship opportunities. The matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with each round featuring two games shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining fixtures available via Sky Sports+.
This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond can follow the action in real time. Beyond the immediate excitement of the games themselves, the Dublin venture is expected to have a lasting impact on grassroots rugby league in Ireland. Local clubs and schools are being invited to participate in outreach programmes, coaching clinics, and fan engagement activities in the lead‑up to the weekend. These initiatives aim to spark interest among young athletes, provide pathways for talent development, and embed the sport more firmly within the Irish sporting landscape.
In summary, the upcoming April 2027 fixtures represent a bold and forward‑looking strategy for the Super League. By bringing two marquee matchups to Dublin's state‑of‑the‑art Laya Arena, the league is not only celebrating its heritage and the storied rivalry between Warrington and Wigan but also laying the groundwork for sustained growth in a new market. Fans can look forward to a weekend of high‑quality rugby league, vibrant fan culture, and the chance to witness history in the making as the sport steps onto Irish soil for the first time.