Super League's Magic Weekend 'postponed' - but not cancelled

Betfred Super League's Magic Weekend could still take place this year, despite next month's return to Newcastle being called off.
Robert EWlstone. Picture by Tony Johnson.Robert EWlstone. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Robert EWlstone. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Super League has confirmed the event, which sees all 12 teams in action at the same venue over two days, will not take place as planned on May 23 and 24, but organisers intend to keep Magic Weekend in the schedule for 2020, possibly at a different venue.

Fixtures this year include Castleford Tigers versus Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos against Hull - both on the opening day - with Wakefield Trinity due to face Hull KR the following afternoon.

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The event was set to make its return to St James' Park, after being staged at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium last year.

A statement on Tuesday morning confirmed: "Betfred Super League intends to keep Dacia Magic Weekend in the 2020 schedule and all options are being considered as part of extensive and ongoing fixtures remodelling.

"More information will be provided once there is a clearer picture regarding the resumption of the season."

The competition's executive chairman Robert Elstone said: “It’s regrettable that Super League has had to make this decision, but in light of the current situation, it is sadly unavoidable.

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“Our fans will be disappointed because they were all looking forward to returning to Newcastle. However, Magic is still firmly in our plans for 2020, with St James’ Park at a later date one of the options being considered.”

Tickets already bought for Dacia Magic Weekend in Newcastle will be transferable to a later date at St James’ Park, or an alternative venue depending on when the season restarts.

The Betfred Championship's Summer Bash - scheduled for Blackpool's Bloomfield Road on the weekend of May 30-31, has also been called off.

A statement from the governing body said "With all rugby league activity currently suspended, the RFL and the clubs have agreed there is no realistic prospect of staging the event as planned this year and that it is best to make the decision now for the clarity of clubs, players, supporters and other stakeholders."

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It added: "The concept of a round of fixtures being played at a single venue at some stage in 2020 - whether in the Betfred Championship and/or League 1, or the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup - remains one of the possibilities in the wide variety of options in the contingency planning being considered by the RFL and the clubs."

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