On Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd of May, Murrayfield played host to the engage Super League Magic Weekend as Europe’s top teams arrived in Scotland to battle it out over seven matches in the nation's Capital.
As Scotland’s showcase of Rugby League, the weekend was packed with good games and great fun. The fan zones were buzzing with skill challenges, masters Rugby League and Scottish Conference games as supporters turned out to sample the Rugby League atmosphere, and get a taste of what's to come in 2010. When the dust settles from what has been a hugely successful event for the sport in this country, attention will soon turn to The Community Nations Championships and European Cup heading north in the coming months.
Reflecting on the weekend, RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood was in positive mood:
" The Magic Weekend is four years old now and I think it's got better year on year. All the feedback we have had points to The Magic Weekend being a huge success with everyone who attended."
The official attendance was 52,043.
Scotland’s performance in the 2008 World Cup did a lot to raise awareness of Rugby League in this country. Over the past year the development team has been expanded to turn increased interest in the sport into more participants, and strong links are being developed alongside Active Schools with a Scotland RL Schools Championship in the pipeline.
Scotland Spokesman, Stuart MacPhee, said:
“After Magic 2009 we recorded the highest ever level of participation in the sport with almost 1,000 players registered, and more than 3,000 children being coached by our community officers. Magic 2010 gave us a showcase event to strengthen the Scotland RL brand, and also sparked further ‘wins’ for the sport in terms of increased profile and yet more participation. The challenge now is to build on this progress and maximise the opportunity we have with the Community Nations and European Cup later this year.”
SCOTLAND RL SERIES 2010 - www.scotlandrl.com
- Scottish Residents vs. Scottish Exiles 9th May
- Scotland 'A' vs. England 'A' Community Nations Championships 12th June
- Ireland vs. Scotland Community Nations Championships 10th July
- Rugby League Conference Grand Finals Day 7th August
- Scotland 'A' vs. Wales 'A' Community Nations Championships 14th August
- France vs. Scotland European Cup 9th October
- Scotland vs. Wales European Cup 17th October
- Ireland vs. Scotland European Cup 24th October