Las Vegas, Paris… Dublin? Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet ‘all for’ rugby league’s roadshow events
Wigan Warriors travel to Paris to face Catalans Dragons in a landmark Super League fixture this weekend
Matt Peet says he is ‘all for’ rugby league’s expansion into major cities as Wigan Warriors prepare for a landmark Super League fixture against Catalans Dragons in Paris.
The Warriors head to the French capital fresh from their 40-10 Challenge Cup final victory over Hull KR at Wembley, with Catalans staging the Super League fixture at Stade Jean-Bouin as part of their 20th anniversary in Super League celebrations.
Peet believes occasions like this are important for the sport’s growth and is keen to see more of them in future.
“I think it’s an exciting event,” he said.
“It’s great for Catalans to move the home game. I think it’s innovative, it gets rugby league on the map in a capital city, one of the great cities in the world.
“Our players are excited about it. I think it will bring media attention and some excitement for fans from both clubs, so I’m very confident that the game will deliver.”
Wigan have previously played matches in locations including Milwaukee, Sydney, Barcelona and Las Vegas, while reports have linked a future fixture against Warrington Wolves in Dublin in 2027.
Peet is fully behind the idea of taking the sport to new audiences.
“To see rugby league being played in places like Las Vegas, Paris, Dublin - I think it just sounds like a big deal, doesn’t it?” he said.
“To put it on the map, so to speak, and to get new eyeballs on the sport, and to also allow our supporters to travel and experience these places. It’s something I’m all for.
“I’m not sure that one (Dublin) has been confirmed yet, but whether it’s Dublin or New York, I’m all for it.”
With Wigan only returning from Wembley at the weekend before flying to Paris on Thursday, preparation time has been limited.
However, Peet is confident his players are in good shape heading into another unique occasion.
“We had our first training day today (Wednesday), so it was a case of getting going again, not pushing it too much today, but we’ve got the rest of the week yet,” he said.
“The boys seem in great shape. The energy is good, so we’re excited about the week. It’s obviously a unique one and one that we’re going to embrace.”