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Matthew Shaw

Headingley to host Summer Bash as epic weekend lineup confirmed

The 2022 Summer Bash will take place at Headingley after the RFL confirmed plans for the reprised event.

For the first time in three years, the Championship bonanza will return to the calendar when it takes place over the weekend of July 30/31st.

However, it will not take place at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road for the first time since its inception, with Leeds Rhinos' home instead hosting the event.

The RFL had previously confirmed Bloomfield Road could not host the event due to stadium availability and Rugby League Live revealed last year that Headingley was the strong candidate to take over.

That has now been confirmed by the RFL, along with the seven fixtures that will take place during the weekend.

An action-packed Saturday will be headlined by a battle between the two title favourites, with Featherstone and Leigh clashing in the main event.

Before that, Bradford Bulls and Halifax Panthers will restore their rivalry, the latest Heavy Woollen derby between Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams will take place and the day will be opened by London Broncos and Sheffield Eagles.

On the Sunday, Barrow Raiders play Widnes Vikings, Whitehaven will play Workington Town in a Cumbrian derby and the event will be wrapped up by Newcastle Thunder and York City Knights.

As part of the competition's broadcast deal, all games will be shown on Premier Sports.

Explaining the decision to move the even to Headingley, Mark Foster, the RFL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It’s an exciting line-up of fixtures which will showcase the quality of the teams and players in the Betfred Championship, and Headingley Stadium will be a fitting stage.

“It’s a venue with so much Rugby League history, which will be familiar to supporters of all 14 clubs – but this may be a first opportunity for many to experience the superb redevelopments of recent years.

“We hope that Headingley’s convenient location for so many Rugby League supporters will also encourage fans of clubs from outside the Betfred Championship to come and watch the action.

“And for those unable to make it to the event, the weekend will be featured live on Premier Sports as part of our new partnership to showcase the Betfred Championship.

“It’s always an enjoyable weekend on and off the field – and although it will be slightly different in Leeds as opposed to Blackpool, we’re confident Rugby League fans will find plenty of ways to enjoy themselves.”

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