Sheffield on the move again

Sheffield Eagles are leaving Owlerton Stadium after just one season due to new RFL ground regulations.

The Championship side moved there for the 2014 season after it was announced that their former home, Don Valley Stadium, was going to be demolished.

A number of improvements were made to the ground to bring it up to standard, but new regulations have now been brought in because of the new competition format, which will see four Championship clubs play against Super League opposition in super 8s, and grounds need to be capable of accommodating evening fixtures for Sky TV, something which isn’t possible due to the lack of floodlighting at Owlerton.

The club is hoping to make an announcement on where it will be playing next season as soon as negotiations are concluded and approved by the RFL.

John Gilburn, Managing Director, Owlerton Stadium said: “We are proud to have contributed to another important chapter in the history of Sheffield Eagles having stepped in to save the club from leaving the city following the closure of Don Valley Stadium.

“Owlerton hosted the Eagles’ first ever game 30 years ago and, without our support for the 2014 season, Sheffield would have lost one of its most well-loved sporting organisations.

“We would like to wish the Sheffield Eagles all the very best for the future.”