Wigan CEO eyes major economic impact from Dublin clash as key profitability target set

Wigan’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kris Radlinski believes the Warriors will take more than 6,000 supporters to Dublin for next year’s clash against Warrington Wolves – with a major economic impact expected.

Having been rumoured for a number of months, it was officially confirmed last week that local foes Wigan and Warrington will head to the Emerald Isle next April as they meet in the ‘Battle for Dublin’.

The game will take place on April 24 at the Laya Arena, home to rugby union outfit Leinster, and will be the first-ever Super League fixture played in Ireland.

That clash, on April 24, will be complemented by a second Super League game the following day at the same venue as St Helens square off against Hull FC.

And unlike other previous ventures which have seen games played overseas, it’s expected that next year’s trip to the Irish capital will be profitable for all involved.

‘For my numbers and budgeting, I’ve said 6,000 fans, and presented that to my board. I think we’ll fill it’

Dublin follows on from Las Vegas in playing host to a Super League clash between Warrington and Wigan.

When the pair faced off in the competition’s first-ever game in America back in 2025, the Warriors gave one of their home games up. Now, Wire will return the favour.

Speaking at the Dublin announcement event in Manchester last week to a group of media, including LoveRugbyLeague, CEO Radlinski explained: “I think Dublin suits our demographic – accessible and affordable.

“I always joke about the number of pints that we drink, but it’s a big thing for our fans.

They’ll go there, have a hell of a time, there’ll be no police presence and we’ll create lots of memories. It’s a great opportunity.

“It (the Laya Arena) is a 20,000-capacity stadium. I’ve budgeted for 6,000 (travelling Wigan supporters), but I think we’ll blow that out of the water.

“But for my numbers and budgeting, I’ve said 6,000 fans, and presented that to my board. I think we’ll fill it.”

Amid rumours of the game in Dublin, some supporters had made their plans before last week’s announcement. Since then, thousands more have flocked to make arrangements.

Radlinski added: “Over Magic Weekend (at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium), we sold more than 151,000 pints!

“The economic impact of that is a piece of work that allows us to go to Tourism Ireland and ask for funding.

“(The document details) the impact we can have and the number of people that will go over.”

‘There’s an opportunity for us to tap into some funding from the Irish government’

The wider economic impact of thousands of rugby league supporters descending on the Irish capital has not been lost by any of the parties involved, and has actually opened a couple of doors for Wigan and Warrington.

While the players involved in the game will spend just a few days in Dublin next April, numerous trips are planned before then involving key stakeholders: with Radlinski set to be among them.

Wire and the Warriors’ community foundations have also pieced together a joint programme around the legacy which can be left in the city by the historic Super League clash.

He detailed: “Before we decided on April, we had a meeting. There’s not much going on in Dublin in that weekend, which is one of the reasons we chose it.

“We’ve spoken with the Irish sports minister, so there’s an opportunity for us to tap into some funding from the Irish government.

“A part of that work we’ll be undertaking, it’s called a legacy impact. The legacy impact is having a presence in schools, in community clubs etcetera.”