Eagles to play at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park in 2016

Sheffield Eagles will be playing their home games in the city of Sheffield in 2016, it has been confirmed.

The Eagles will play at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park, a venue which will require some modification to bring it up to Championship standards.

“We are aware that our fans do not want to travel outside of Sheffield to support their team, so it has been imperative that we found a solution that brings us home,” Eagles chairman Ian Swire said.

“At the end of last season Sheffield United were able to help us with the last two games of the season, but for various reasons that was not an option for 2016.

“We have had a positive relationship with Sheffield Hallam University for a number of years and they were more than willing to help us.

We have listened to our fans and have made a commitment to significant investment in developing the ground.

“Now we need our fans to make an equally strong commitment in supporting the Eagles at the new venue by buying their season tickets.”

The club will be in investing in high quality temporary stands that will provide over 1,000 covered seats. Access to the site will also be improved, in order for it to meet RFL standards.

The Eagles played at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium last season, but coach Mark Aston is pleased to be heading back into the Steel City.

“I would like record our thanks to Doncaster for being such excellent hosts last season,” he said.

“It is a great stadium to play at and we were always made very welcome. Unfortunately, it was not in Sheffield and we need to bring professional rugby league back home.

“Bawtry Road is big flat, pitch with a surface as good as any you would find in Super League. We played Rochdale there in the 2013 season and it suits our style of play.

“I am expecting our new look full time squad to really enjoy playing there and put on some great performances and wins for our fans.”