Longhorns hope stadium move captures public attention in Ireland

Longhorns RL will play the two biggest matches in the Irish rugby league calendar at the 8,000-capacity Morton Stadium in July.

The reigning All Ireland Champions will take on Galway Tribesman on July 3 and Malahide RLFC on July 10, as they search for a fifth consecutive title.

They hope to welcome spectators into the National Athletics stadium, located in the Santry area of Dublin, if Government guidelines allow.

Paul Varga, Longhorns RL Assistant Coach: “We’re attempting to capture the public’s attention. There’s only one way to do that: raise the stakes.

“From the perspective of the club, the idea of moving to Morton Stadium is much more than just playing: we’re hoping the players express their excitement to play in this venue on the pitch.

“I believe that will be transferred to the spectators, whether they are at home or hopefully in the stands. Longhorns RL matches have always received vibrant support from our growing community who are vocal in their support. This is for them.”

Huddersfield’s Ronan Michael, currently on loan at Swinton, is a product of the Longhorns club.

They will open the RLI Championship away at Barrow Cudas on June 19, and will live stream their home games online.

Jim Reynolds, Rugby League Ireland Chairman, added: “This is welcome news – having more Rugby League being played in Morton Stadium is good news for everyone associated with the sport in Ireland.

“Personally, it pleases me greatly that I am part of an organisation that is utilising this historic venue more and more.

“My late father was a friend and supporter of Billy Morton in his tenacious campaign to get this stadium built and seeing our Senior Team beat Italy here in 2019 to qualify for this year’s Rugby League World Cup was especially significant for me.”