'Spectacular' Hill Dickinson Set For England Rugby Union Test

After the roaring success of Rugby League's Magic WKND, Hill Dickinson Stadium is set to switch codes to host England's Rugby Union side in a Test match against Fiji on Saturday (11 July).

The historic game forms part of Fiji’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign, with the Pacific nation choosing to stage its designated home fixtures in the Northern Hemisphere.

Kick-off at the Blues' waterfront home is at 2:10pm (BST) – and tickets are still available!

>>> Click here to purchase tickets for Fiji v England at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The event comes hot on the heels of a record-breaking Magic WKND at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Rugby League clubs and their fans descending on Merseyside for the annual two-day event.

A total of 82,925 supporters enjoyed the action across the weekend, smashing the previous Magic WKND record set at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park in 2016, while Sunday’s crowd of 42,902 was Magic WKND’s biggest ever single day attendance.

Rugby League officials confirmed that broadcast and digital engagement was also up 18 per cent on last year – with more than 800,000 viewers watching the festival unfold on Sky Sports.

Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director, who has already confirmed the event will return to Hill Dickinson Stadium next year, said: “Magic WKND has grown into one of rugby league’s great showcase events over the last 20 years and this weekend’s numbers solidify that.

“The atmosphere across the weekend was exceptional, the quality of the matches was outstanding, and seeing a record number of supporters come together at Hill Dickinson Stadium and in Castres (Catalan Dragons v Toulouse Olympique) is something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.

"This weekend was a celebration of our clubs, and our fans, who continue to create one of the most unique events in sport. We'd like to thank every supporter, player, club, Everton and our partners who helped make this year's Magic WKND such a tremendous success."

Magic WKND was the second rugby event to take place at Hill Dickinson Stadium, following the Ashes Test last November between England and Australia.

And teams who experienced Magic WKND for the first time believe their Union counterparts are in for a treat, having been wowed by the stadium’s impressive credentials.

Warrington Wolves head coach, Sam Burgess, said: “It’s a spectacular venue. I was here for the Ashes and that day it was wonderful, so people were excited to come here [for Magic WKND]”.

St Helens’ Head Coach, Paul Rowley, added: “It's new and fresh and a wonderful stadium and very special to be here. Newcastle has been fantastic, but this is an opportunity to keep evolving and our sport has been great at that over the decades, so to move to this part of the world is fantastic.

“We’re tasked with creating more meaningful events, and this is certainly one. The stadium has already been embraced by Australia, who made it a success, so it’s all wonderful.”

A players’ video, shared on social media saw Hill Dickinson Stadium described as “class”, “amazing”, “colossal” and “humungous”, with players and rugby league fans also noting how the steepness of the stands and proximity of seats to the pitch helped create a raucous atmosphere.

York Knights Head Coach, Mark Applegarth, experiencing the stadium with his team for the first time, said: “This has been York’s first Magic WKND and it was an absolutely unbelievable atmosphere. I’m just really glad that we’ve experienced this as a group.”

Warrington Wolves’ Kelepi Tanginoa admitted playing at the stadium was special, due to a family connection to an Everton legend.

He said: “My wife’s uncle is Tim Cahill, so being here is a privilege. I’ve followed Tim a long way, so to be here is very special.”

Fans were equally enthusiastic about the stadium hosting Magic WKND for the first time.

“This is what it is all about,” wrote Karen Davies, who was at the venue on Saturday to watch her Hull KR side take on Hull FC. “It is my first time here, but it already feels like the perfect venue for Magic.”

Andy Burnham, new Makerfield MP, Everton Season Ticket holder and former president of the Rugby Football League, also spoke of his joy at seeing his two sporting passions combine.

Burnham, who was there to watch his favourite Rugby League side, Leigh Leopards, beat Warrington Wolves on Saturday, said: “Magic WKND is fantastic in this magnificent new home for Everton Football Club.  

“It does my heart so good to see Leigh playing in my home ground, Everton Football Club. These are the two greatest loves of my sporting life. This is massive for me!”

>>> Click here to purchase tickets for Fiji v England at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Fans attending the stadium for the first time can download the new Hill Dickinson Stadium App, available on iOS  and Android devices, which carries a host of useful information, including travel and transport guidance, stadium maps, food and drink options and more.  

Fans can also visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium website HERE, or the dedicated event guide HERE for further information.