Two Super League clubs face schedule changes after EFL fixture release

Fixture release day, in any sport, is always a pinned date in the calendar, as fans discover who they will come up against first, when derby day is and when those early morning away trips are. 

For fans of football teams in the EFL, today is that day and fans ranging from Sheffield United to Plymouth to Port Vale have all had their fixtures released for the upcoming season. 

So, why is a rugby league news website reporting on football fixtures? Due to some Super League teams ground sharing with football teams, Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic to name one, stadium use and fixture congestion is something that can become a problem. 

For two Super League teams, the release of the EFL fixtures has seen some of their home games under threat of moving date, time or even location due to a clash with their footballing housemates. 

Super League fixture clashes

Huddersfield Giants are currently trying to create a new purpose-build rugby league facility that will be more suited to their needs. They currently share the John Smith’s Stadium with Huddersfield Town, a partnership which has lasted over 25 years.

The Giants join Hull FC, who groundshare with Hull City, as teams that will see fixtures moved in the near future. 

Luke Robinson’s side have two upcoming home games that clash with the football. They are currently scheduled to play Warrington Wolves on August 23, before a visit from Leeds Rhinos on September 6.  

Hull FC have just one fixture, on August 16 they are set to face Leigh Leopards, which collides with Hull City’s first home game of the league season against Oxford United. It remains to be seen if the Black and Whites will see their fixture changed, though, with City able to play on Sky Sports+ either on the Friday or Sunday, too.

With schedules to be confirmed, this is a warning for fans of all clubs mentioned to take into consideration when making plans for the game or buying tickets. 

As mentioned above, Wigan Warriors and Athletic also share a ground, however there are no fixtures that clash between the two.