2021 season details revealed: Start date, play-off structure, Magic & Grand Final dates

The Betfred Super League 2021 season will start on March 11 to give players a much-needed break after this current, extended campaign.
The Super League trophyThe Super League trophy
The Super League trophy

The later season start date is a result of the impact of Covid-19 on the extended 2020 campaign and the desire of Super League clubs to give players a much-needed period of recovery and a full pre-season.

Clubs will play 13 home fixtures in a 27-game regular season, including the Dacia Magic Weekend at Newcastle on May 29-30, before the same six-team play-off format adopted this season leading up to a Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 9.

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Given there will be 12 Super League clubs next season - Toronto's replacement will be decided next month - it means each club will play each other home and away, with five additional 'loop' games including Magic.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said: “With our players performing at the highest level, late into November, it is important that we give our players time to recover and prepare properly for the 2021 campaign.

“Many of them will be looking to force themselves into the selection decisions for the Rugby League World Cup and pre-season will be a key part of their plans.

“What is also clear with the ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 is that a later start date gives us a better chance of playing more games in front of fans in 2021.”

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Fixtures for the 2021 Betfred Super League season will be released in January.

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