Welsh Assembly welcome Magic Weekend
The Welsh Assembly Government has given a wholehearted welcome to the announcement that the 2011 Engage Super League season will kick off in Cardiff.
The Millennium Magic weekend, scheduled for February 12 and 13 in 2011, will see the 14 Engage Super League clubs returning to the Welsh capital for the first time since 2008 and the Assembly Government is fully supportive of the move.
Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, commented: “We are delighted that the Rugby League family will be returning back to Cardiff in 2011 for what promises to be an outstanding start to next season’s competition.
“Thousands of Rugby League supporters will once again be enjoying the hospitality, facilities and resources that exist within the Welsh capital.
“The Welsh Assembly Government has been a proactive partner in attracting the event back to the Millennium Stadium for the first time since 2008 and this will only reinforce our positive working relationship with the RFL going forward,” added the Minister.
RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood responded: “Fans have consistently told us that they love Cardiff and that they want the season to start with a bang so we believe the 2011 Millennium Magic weekend in Cardiff promises to be an outstanding way of launching the new Engage Super League season.
“The sport of Rugby League and the Welsh Assembly Government have built a great partnership over the years and we have an exciting shared vision that will manifest itself in February 2011.”
Welsh Rugby League Executive Chairman Marc Rowley has also welcomed the announcement: “This is great news for Rugby League in Wales and will assist us in our efforts to develop the game. The Assembly Government has played a major part in the negotiation process and we welcome their backing.
“The sport is establishing a strong foothold right across Wales and this wonderful occasion will build on the success of the Crusaders in Super League and the South Wales Scorpions in the Co-operative Championship One as well as boost the profile of the community game which is going from strength to strength.
“Events such as this provide us with a showcase for Rugby League and we fully intend to use it to further enhance the great work done already in Wales.”