Rugby Super League Grand Final to stay at Old Trafford

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Rugby Super League Grand Final staying at Old Trafford until 2027

Greater Manchester-based rugby fans will be relieved to hear that the Betfred Super League Grand Final will be staying right here in the region following a new agreement being reached.

With the Super League Grand Final between the Wigan Warriors and Hull KR coming up this weekend, Old Trafford is set to host the fixture for the 27th time, having been held at the legendary football ground event since the competition began back in 1998.

However, there was some uncertainty around whether the massive rugby league game would carry on at the iconic stadium as the existing contract ticked down, but a new deal struck between the RFL (Rugby Football League) and Manchester United has now reassured that the match isn’t going anywhere.

Confirming the news on Monday morning, the RFL revealed that the Super League Grand Final will be remaining at the Theatre of Dreams for the immediate future.

As detailed in an official Super League press release, a new three-year agreement will see the game stay at Old Trafford until at least 2027.

Wigan Warriors – who happen to be competing in their 13th concluder to date this Saturday – actually took part in the very first Grand Final all those years ago and while a number of other multi-purpose arenas could have housed the competition, few have Old Trafford’s history or capacity.

Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of RL Commercial, said: “It’s perfect timing for us to be able to confirm this extension of Super League’s partnership with Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final, as we look forward to another fantastic occasion at Old Trafford this weekend, with our biggest Grand Final crowd for at least seven years.

“Rugby League’s relationship with Old Trafford stretches back well beyond the Super League era, and since 1998 it has gone to another level as the Grand Final has become established, with so many unforgettable moments – including the brilliance of Rob Burrow in two Player of the Match performances for Leeds Rhinos.”

He went on to note that one of the biggest highlights from the upcoming clash will be the introduction of the new Rob Burrow Award for the Player of the Match, which was announced shortly before his passing earlier this year.

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As for Man United, Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche added: “We are proud to continue the tradition of hosting the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford for another three years.” This will also mean that

“It is always a special event in the national sporting calendar and this weekend will be particularly poignant with tributes being paid to the late Rob Burrow and so many other Rugby League legends”, he continued.

As for local side Warriors’, it’ll be a historic day for their opponents as Hull Kingston Rovers will be playing in their first-ever Betfred Super League Grand Final following an electrifying end to their semi-final against Warrington Wolves. You can watch the highlights down below.

As for one remaining home team, Wigan kick-off against KR at 6pm on Saturday, 12 October and it’s sure to be another blockbuster.

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Featured Images — Mtaylor848 (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group