The RFL has confirmed the rumour of the move from Cardiff to Edinburgh for the Super League Weekend celebration of Rugby League.
As from next May Super League's weekend of matches will move from the Cardiff Millennium ‘Magic’ stadium as its centerpiece to Edinburgh’s world famous international stadium Murrayfield.
The franchises to be announced on the 22 July 2008 will include two extra teams giving the new location one extra game to host at the weekend.
The Millenniums closing roof has always ensured the weekends success as a showpiece with the guarantee in the completion of the round.
The concerns that Murrayfield could suffer if the weather was poor, with the added problem of the extra game were assuaged as Murrayfield is experienced in staging multiple matches.
The move from the Millennium stadium was made for a number of reasons, with some feeling the Welsh Rugby Union could have been more proavctive in their support, however the RFL claim the main reason is Edinburgh offers more in terms of the weekend, with more accommodation and facilities for the ‘family’, this being a prime concern to a sport who prides itself on its family friendly reputation.
The Cardiff stadiums main advantage was it proximity to the city centre making it possible to access the leisure facilities that were immediately adjacent to the stadium, allowing fans to meander in and around the stadium/games.
Murrayfield is however some distance from Edinburgh and the plans are already in preparation for a "fan zone" around the stadium allowing the spectator facilities to stroll between & even during matches.
The present derby game fixtures are to being abandoned for a seeding system based on this years final league positions. With the extra two franchises added to this.
Any suspicions the new venue is related to the Celtic Crusaders application for a Super League franchises were dismissed by the RFL. |
