Toronto and Toulouse to open Magic Weekend

Championship sides Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse will open the 2018 Magic Weekend at St James’ Park.

It will be the first time that non-Super League sides have participated at the event, with the Wolfpack sacrificing a home game to enable them to take this game on the road to Newcastle.

They will kick off at 12.45pm on Saturday May 19, prior to Widnes taking on St Helens at 3pm.

Super League General Manager, Mark Foster, said: “The Dacia Magic Weekend is a brilliant event which brings sports fans together to watch exciting, high impact Rugby League and it’s fantastic that we have added an extra game to the fixture list. We know that fans of all clubs and different sports come to watch the event and I am sure that this additional game will add to what is an already brilliant experience.

“Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique are sure to put on a great display in front of an enthusiastic crowd at St James’ Park in the opening game of the weekend and show fans what the Championship has to offer.”

The idea was approved by the Super League board last week.

Wolfpack coach Paul Rowley added: “Magic Weekend is a great opportunity for our players to compete on the big stage, and an occasion the whole team will be looking forward to.

“Our game against Toulouse will no doubt demonstrate the quality of rugby being played in the Championship, as well as giving a great platform to showcase Rugby League to North America.”

Full Magic Weekend Fixture List:

Saturday May 19

12.45pm Toronto Wolfpack v Toulouse Olympique XII
3.00pm Widnes Vikings v St Helens
5.15pm Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves
7.30pm Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos

Sunday May 20

1.00pm Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons
3.15pm Wakefield Trinity v Huddersfield Giants
5.30pm Hull KR v Hull FC