The Super League will stage its first-ever league fixture in Ireland when Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors meet at the redeveloped Laya Arena in Dublin on April 24, 2027. This landmark event marks a continuation of the league’s efforts to expand the reach of rugby league beyond its traditional heartlands.
Wigan and Warrington have previously played matches outside England, including participating in the National Rugby League’s (NRL) Las Vegas event in 2025. Earlier this year, Wigan also faced Catalans Dragons in Paris as part of a celebratory fixture marking anniversaries for both the Super League competition and the French club. These international fixtures have been seen by league officials as successful steps toward growing the sport’s global presence.
The Laya Arena, home to Leinster Rugby and located in central Dublin, recently underwent a £45 million redevelopment, boosting its capacity to 20,500. It has a reputation for hosting major sporting events and offers a high-profile stage for the clash between these two historic rivals.
Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick described the fixture as a significant moment not only for his club but also for the Super League and rugby league as a whole. He emphasized the appeal of reaching new audiences and identified Dublin as the ideal location following the success of previous international fixtures.
Wigan CEO Kris Radlinski highlighted the city’s standing as a host for major events and underlined that the match is intended to create an occasion for passionate supporters of both clubs to enjoy the sport. He expressed hope that the game would contribute to rugby league’s ongoing growth story by demonstrating the possibilities when the league embraces innovative approaches.
The upcoming fixture also has historical resonance, as Warrington and Wigan previously met in Dublin at Shelbourne Park in 1934, and Wigan played in the city again in 1995 during a Charity Shield match against Leeds.
As rugby league seeks to broaden its appeal and establish a stronger international footprint, the April 2027 match in Dublin represents the latest step in this strategic direction, blending tradition with efforts to engage new fans in Ireland.