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Rugby game in August?

Hello All! My 12 yr old son and I (the mom!) will be in London for 7 nights, Aug 20-27. Boy is a rugby player and we would like to see a pro game. I believe Rugby Union games are over, but Rugby League is still on, maybe in playoffs? We have a pro team here that competes in England, Toronto Wolfpack, so I am sure playoffs are at that time. I am having a heck of a time finding info. I don't care what level, can even be a semi-pro game, and I don't care who we see. Just the atmosphere will be fun for him! I am hoping that someone on this board from England is a fan and can direct me. TIA

Posted by
5269 posts

England play Ireland at Twickenham on 25th August in preparation for the World Cup but tickets have already sold out. There is the London9's festival also on the 25th August which may be of interest https://www.london9s.uk/.

Posted by
70 posts

As someone said above, it is the Challenge cup final on that weekend. There will be no other Superleague fixtures that weekend.

There may however be a match from the lower leagues in or around London that will be played on the Friday night to try to encourage weekenders down for the game to attend. It's usually London but as you know they are in Superleague this season :-(

If I were you, I would try to attend the final. It is at Wembley stadium and will be a magnificent spectacle. We are waiting for the semi finals to be played, but it is 99.99% that St Helens will be there, and the other is either Hull or my team Warrington. Once the finalists are confirmed, the price will go up and will be in demand. You will always be able to get a ticket as it never actually sells out, maybe 90%, but if you look before the semis are played there will be some cheap tickets. On "rugby-league.com" you will see tickets at the back behind the posts for £20 adults, £15 juniors. I have sat in those blocks and the views are great.

If you do go, get there a couple of hours before kick off, and walk around the outside of the stadium, there will be thousands of fans from all clubs making a great atmosphere.

Best of Luck with the Wolfpack, I think they will be in SL next season.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks to everyone for your replies! I am very happy to report that I have purchased tickets for the Coral Cup Challenge on Aug 24! We are so excited and can't wait to experience the true rugby atmosphere.

Posted by
70 posts

I'm sure you'll both enjoy it. It is one of the two big finals of the season, and is the more traditional of the two, having been around for 100 years or so.
There is the cup final hymm sung before the game "abide with me" always sends tingles down my spine. St Helens who are virtually guaranteed to be there have not been to Wembley for a few years now, and should bring a massive following. Hull as well if they make it. Warrington went last season and suffered a surprise defeat to Catalan.
A great many neutrals attend and you will see many different shirts. My advice would be regardless of where you enter the stadium, approach it by walking up "Wembley way" correct name Olympic Way. It gives a great build up.
There is usually a carnival atmosphere and my best memory is of a group of about 12 Halifax fans crouching in front of a policewoman and singing "you've lost that loving feeling" to her like Tom Cruise in Top Gun.leaving her bright red and her colleagues doubled up laughing at her embarrassment.
The other major final is the Grand Final played in October, more modern, clinical and more razzamataz. That's the one I want us to win.
Did you go for the back tier seats? There are no bad seats at Wembley, and I hope if we get there you will be cheering the Wire on.

Posted by
54 posts

You picked a brilliant game to attend. You will have a great time.

Posted by
9 posts

I purchased section 141, row 20. Only 15 pounds for my son and 50 for me. I thought that was pretty good! The cost of major sporting events in Toronto is insane, but the Wolfpack are still the best deal in town! I love your stories briwire! We Canadians are a little more subdued as spectators, so this should be a ton of fun and something my 12 yr old son will remember for a lifetime!