Warrington and Wigan planning next 'Vegas' style adventure as major hint dropped for 2026 game abroad

josie andrews · Post by **josie andrews** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 4:18 pm

Exclusive: Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick has discussed options for next year's potential blockbuster event with Wigan Warriors.

Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick has name-dropped Dublin as a potential location for their next on the road Super League match with Wigan Warriors for 2026.

Dublin had previously been mooted as a potential destination for Magic Weekend, ahead of its confirmed return to its spiritual home at Newcastle's St James’ Park. Speaking to Warrington Guardian at the end of last year, Wolves chairman Stuart Middleton hinted that his side will return the favour with Wigan, with Dublin mentioned.

Now, speaking exclusively with All Out Rugby League, Warrington CEO Fitzpatrick has thrown his support behind the idea: although admits it’s among a ‘few different options’ for the two Super League giants.

Wigan and Warrington made history in Las Vegas earlier this month, with the first match in the United States and joining the NRL’s blockbuster event in Sin City, with around 11,000 fans from England having made the journey. The northern hemisphere competition is set to return to Allegiant Stadium next year with two new teams, while Warrington and Wigan continue to work together to create more memories with matches abroad.

Fitzpatrick said: “We’ve got an unbelievable relationship with Wigan on all levels. We’re very much aligned in terms of where we want to take this sport, so we have got a joint-venture.

We’re looking at a few different options for next year. Dublin could be one, which is a lot more economical [than Las Vegas], I think it could be a great fit with a game over there.

“There may be some other opportunities elsewhere, but I think there’s a nice vibe about going to Dublin for Super League fans to go over there.

“That could be an option, but we’ll have a look and see what fits. It’ll have to work in the calendar as well, but we’re looking to take a game on the road next year, all being well.

It’s giving our fans, Wigan fans, rugby league fans, a reason to go to new places and enjoy themselves and enjoy an event.”

The Aviva Stadium, also known as Dublin Arena, could be a potential venue with a capacity of 51,000. Meanwhile, Rugby League Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones recently revealed that more Super League sides are set to take games on the road in the near-future. Among those, Catalans Dragons are in talks to stage a match in Paris next year, likely to be at the Stade Jean Bouin and against Wigan Warriors, as a celebration of 30 years since the first Super League match between Paris St Germain and Sheffield Eagles.

Then in 2027 or 2028, the Perpignan-based side could return to Barcelona - where the Dragons attracted a record Super League crowd for a single match in 2019 against Wigan.

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/new ... 48a1cfd938

medlocke · Post by **medlocke** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 5:26 pm

Moscow would be an interesting place to take it, as long as the war in Ukraine was over, I believe there are around 34 clubs in Russia

Firestarter · Post by **Firestarter** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 5:38 pm

I got told Dublin whilst in vegas so not suprised at all

bonbon · Post by **bonbon** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 6:37 pm

I'd love Cape Town, South Africa.

Firestarter · Post by **Firestarter** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 7:22 pm

Tenerife good for me

Post by **Mike** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:22 pm

manchesterwarrior · Post by **manchesterwarrior** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 10:04 pm

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/new ... re-1041902

Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick has name-dropped Dublin as a potential location for their next on the road Super League match with Wigan Warriors for 2026.

Dublin had previously been mooted as a potential destination for Magic Weekend, ahead of its confirmed return to its spiritual home at Newcastle's St James’ Park. Speaking to Warrington Guardian at the end of last year, Wolves chairman Stuart Middleton hinted that his side will return the favour with Wigan, with Dublin mentioned.

Wiganer Ted · Post by **Wiganer Ted** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 10:27 pm

I think we can interpret the "We will return Wigan the favour" to mean if it does take place it will be a Warrington home game.

Looks like both clubs are considering an On the Road game and Dublin seems to be the city being suggested.

moto748 · Post by **moto748** » Fri Mar 21, 2025 12:50 am

I've got no problem with that. I think it's a good thing. And somewhere accessible, like Dublin, or Paris, why not? But not the other side of the world again, please.

josie andrews · Post by **josie andrews** » Fri Mar 21, 2025 6:56 am

moto748 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 12:50 am I've got no problem with that. I think it's a good thing. And somewhere accessible, like Dublin, or Paris, why not? But not the other side of the world again, please.

Some fans will probably be paying for the Las Vegas trip for several years!