Hull FC are looking to finalise a deal to play in Dublin next year.
The RDS Arena, home of Leinster Rugby, where Hull FC are hoping to take on Wakefield next year.(Image: Getty)
Hull FC are closing in on a deal to play a Super League fixture against Wakefield Trinity in Dublin next year.
The Black and Whites have been working with the West Yorkshire outfit in recent weeks on taking a game to Ireland, with Hull Live told the clubs are now confident they have everything in place to formalise the agreement. The deal isn’t signed off yet, but there is now a confidence it will happen.
The game will be held at RDS Stadium, home of Irish rugby union side Leinster. A recently renovated venue with a new main grandstand completed this August, it has a capacity of 20,600 and is located in the Ballsbridge area of Dublin.
Hull Live understands the game will take place in April 2027, long before the Challenge Cup final and Magic Weekend events, to avoid a similar clash to this year where Wigan’s Paris trip comes just days after a visit to London for the cup final.
The match is a joint venture with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, who are poised to meet on the Saturday and Hull and Wakefield clashing on the Sunday. The dates mooted are April 24 and 25, but they are yet to be rubber stamped.
The clash would be Hull’s first visit to Ireland and the sixth different country they would have played a Super League game in following matches in England, Wales, Scotland, France, and Australia.
Hull met Wigan in Wollongong, Australia, back in 2018 and have continuously voiced a desire to be part of rugby league expansion and on the road fixtures – so long as it is the right fit and time for the club.
The Black and Whites were previously considered as a front runner to head to Las Vegas next season after declaring interest, but conceded last month that it wasn’t the right time to head out to the United States, citing performance reasons. However, a much shorter trip across the Irish Sea is viewed as more viable and something the club hope to finalise in the coming weeks.
It is understood that Wakefield, who also want to go to Vegas in 2028, will be the home team. Trinity have emerged as one of Super League’s most ambitious clubs in recent years and view this project as a key step in their development as a club.