France to be considered for Magic Weekend

Magic Weekend could move abroad in 2021 with Catalans eager to hold the event in France.

The Dragons attracted a record Super League crowd of 31,555 to the Nou Camp in May after taking their home fixture against Wigan to Barcelona.

And although they have no immediate plans to play another match there, they have asked Super League if the competition’s annual Magic Weekend can be held in France.

“Catalans have got a couple of ideas they’re working on,” Super League chief executive Robert Elstone told the PA news agency.

“They’re not going to be ready for 2020 but I’m excited about what we jointly can deliver going forward for Magic.

“Catalans are really keen to see whether we can accommodate the Magic Weekend in France.

“They are showing great ambition about taking the game into different parts of France via Magic,” Elstone added.

Official Attendance at Camp Nou: 31,555!!!

A new Betfred Super League regular season attendance record 👏👏👏

Congratulations @DragonsOfficiel & @WiganWarriorsRL #SLCatWig #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/xg9MCXlrZ3

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 18, 2019

Meanwhile it appears the 2020 Magic Weekend will stay at Anfield.

The venue hosted the event for the first time this season and attracted an aggregate crowd of 56,869.

“There was a conversation with another venue in the south of England – and we will be putting a recommendation to clubs before the end of the month,” said Elstone.

“Anfield and St James’ Park are very keen to stage Magic in 2020 and my personal preference will be to stay at Anfield and see it build over at least one or two more years.”