A major rugby sporting event will return to the North East for a record seventh time in 2023.

Newcastle will host Super League’s Magic Weekend for the seventh time next year, bringing rugby fans from across the country to the region.

St James’ Park will once more host a full round of domestic top-flight fixtures on June 3 and 4, a weekend before local lad Sam Fender plays two sell out gigs at the stadium.

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The announcement comes after a huge crowd of 43,119 descended on St James’ on Saturday (October 15) for the opening game of the 2021 Rugby World Cup between England and Samoa.

Super League chief commercial officer Rhodri Jones said: “We are delighted to announce the return of Magic Weekend to Newcastle. It is a firm favourite with fans and a date that players look forward to in the calendar.”

St James’ has a track record of hosting rugby events, with the 2015 Rugby World Cup also being played on the famous pitch, including a fixture with New Zealand’s All Blacks.

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Hull KR and Salford will kick off the weekend on the Saturday while promoted Leigh will play Wakefield in the opening game on the Sunday.

Tickets go on sale next Sunday (October 23) and the full fixture list is:

Saturday, June 3: Salford Red Devils v Hull KR (13:30), Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons (15:45), Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers (18:00).

Sunday, June 4: Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Centurions (12:30), St Helens v Huddersfield Giants (14:45), Hull FC v Warrington Wolves (17:00).

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