Murrayfield Magic 2009

[Bravehearts_RL]

Originally Posted by Scottish_Republican

Good, I hope this is the case. If there is to be any future for rugby league outside north west England and London, that's the way to do it. Of course, how it can be developed in the rest of England is another question. I gather there's been some success in South Wales, which is to be expected as it's a strong rugby area, so maybe folk want a change...

I'm not a fan of the British Lions in Union either. I always saw it as a cheap way of touring down under, but that doesn't apply anymore. Whatever you do, don't copy the SRU though - they've got too many blazers, and not enough ideas.

I agree, Australia and NZ don't play together so why should England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales do it when they're their own countries.


This should ensure Wales, Scotland and Ireland get some meaningful games, next year there are talks about a euro nations comp not involving England and France. England and France will be playing 4 nations next year so I presume it will be Scotland, Ireland, Wales and probably Russia. However if the event goes well England and France will most likely be included next time around. This will work in great with the lower tier euro comps currently running.

If the Scottish team coming in next year can get promoted to NL1 and average decent crowds I think a 2013 WC game in Scotland could work. Although I am cautious considering a game in 2000 WC only got 2000. Wales could also host a home game if the Crusaders are sucessfull, maybe not Millenium Stadium but I see no reason why they couldn't get over 10,000 to meaningful test matches in 5 years when the next world cup is on.

[Scottish_Republican]

You talk good sense. This is probably the way to do it.

[Bravehearts_RL]

Magic Draw to take place on Monday in Edinburgh

The draw to decide the fixtures for next season’s Magic Weekend will be conducted on Monday (22 September) at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield stadium, the venue for next year’s event.
Unlike the previous two Magic events the fixtures will not be derbies but will be decided by a draw.
The 14 clubs taking part in next year’s engage Super League, including new additions Salford City Reds and Celtic Crusaders, will be put into three groups relating to their final league positions this term.
The top four teams from this year will be in Group 1, Group 2 will include the teams that finished from fifth to eighth and Group 3 will feature the remaining six clubs.

Group 1

St Helens
Leeds Rhinos
Catalans Dragons
Wigan Warriors

Group 2

Bradford Bulls
Warrington Wolves
Hull KR
Wakefield Wildcats

Group 3

Harlequins RL
Huddersfield Giants
Hull FC
Castleford Tigers
Salford City Reds
Celtic Crusaders

Clubs can only be drawn to play teams from the same group. This means that next year’s Magic Weekend could see a repeat of the 2007 engage Super League Grand Final between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens and also this weekend’s playoff fixture between Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors.
Former Castleford and Great Britain star Graham Steadman, who is now Scotland Rugby Union’s defensive coach, will be on-hand to make the draw.

[Scotsgait]

Originally Posted by Bravehearts_RL

Clubs can only be drawn to play teams from the same group. This means that next year’s Magic Weekend could see a repeat of the 2007 engage Super League Grand Final between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens and also this weekend’s playoff fixture between Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors.

....or even last night's thrilling win by Saints over Leeds or, better still, yet another defeat of the Piemen by Saints.

[Bravehearts_RL]

I think the draw is a good idea, personally I wouldn't mind seeing just a random draw between all teams like the Challenge Cup. Maybe that will be the case in a few years, maybe it's wise to have it this way as the top and bottom teams will be a long way apart next year.

Regarding the Magic weekend next year, what attendences do people think we will see? I think we can get better than Millenium simply because Cardiff didn' really promote the event. Murrayfield offered more for the event this year so it should be in their best interests to promote it. Personally I think 70k for the 2 days is achievable.

[Bravehearts_RL]

And the 7 Official Games for Murrayfield Magic 2009 are:

Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos
Wigan Warriors v St Helens
Warrington Wolves v Hull Kingston Rovers
Wakefield WIildcats v Bradford Bulls
Hull FC v Castleford Tigers
Salford City Reds v Harlequins RL
Huddersfield Giants v Celtic Crusaders

Should be a good weekend, can't wait.

[Scotsgait]

Originally Posted by Bravehearts_RL

And the 7 Official Games for Murrayfield Magic 2009 are:


Wigan Warriors v St Helens

As I said before, yet another defeat of the Piemen by Saints.


Hopefully !!