Everton are in the running to host up to seven Rugby League games across a single weekend next summer as part of the Super League’s Magic Weekend.
The future of the blockbuster weekend of rugby was in doubt amid plans to expand the division to 14 teams but All Out Rugby League has confirmed the weekend has been saved for 2026 with a draw expected on 27 November.
The Magic Weekend, which pits rival sides against each other over a single weekend in a single stadium, was hosted by Newcastle’s St James’ Park last year and has previously been held at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
However, after the success of the Rugby League Ashes held at Everton’s new 53,000-capacity stadium last month the club is keen to host more of the sport and is reportedly competing with Newcastle to host next year’s Magic Weekend.
The weekend will be scheduled for the summer and will take place after the end of the Premier League season in May. Likely dates will be after the Rugby Challenge Cup Final in May.
The move to Hill Dickinson Stadium would be a popular one with rugby fans, who praised the stadium after the sell-out Ashes fixture.
Everton are reportedly keen to host more events at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The club has applied for a licence to host boxing events at the stadium alongside major music events. The club has yet to announce a non-sporting event at the stadium but there are rumours Sir Paul McCartney could be the first major act to announce a music event.