Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique XIII to kick-off Dacia Magic Weekend

For the first time in Magic Weekend history a Championship fixture will kick-off the event, giving sporting fans the opportunity to see the newly promoted Toronto take on a Toulouse side that narrowly missed out on the qualifiers last year.

The innovative idea was approved by the Super League (Europe) Board last week and the highly anticipated event will now see seven games played over two days at one iconic venue. The Championship fixture will be played as Round 14 which was originally scheduled as a Toronto Wolfpack home game.

Betfred Super League General Manager, Mark Foster, said: "The Dacia Magic Weekend is a brilliant event which brings sports fans together to watch exciting, high impact Rugby League and it's fantastic that we have added an extra game to the fixture list.

"We know that fans of all clubs and different sports come to watch the event and I am sure that this additional game will add to what is an already brilliant experience.

"Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique are sure to put on a great display in front of an enthusiastic crowd at St. James' Park in the opening game of the weekend and show fans what the Championship has to offer."

Coun Kim McGuinness, cabinet member for culture and communities for Newcastle City Council, added: "Newcastle is really excited to be welcoming back the Dacia Magic Weekend for a fourth time to the city.

"The tournament and its passionate Rugby League fans have become part of our Geordie family, and we look forward to the friendship, banter and tremendous atmosphere returning in May.

"The announcement of Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique XIII shows the true international appeal of the Dacia Magic Weekend, and it's wonderful to think that Newcastle will be the talk of sports fans on the other side of the world. This is a fabulous event for the city that has major tourism and economic benefits for the local business community."

The fixture list for the Dacia Magic Weekend 2018 is as follows:

Saturday, 19th May
12.45pm: Toronto Wolfpack v Toulouse Olympique XII
3pm: Widnes Vikings v St Helens
5.15pm: Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves
7.30pm: Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos

Sunday, 20th May
1pm: Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons
3.15pm: Wakefield Trinity v Huddersfield Giants
5.30pm: Hull KR v Hull FC

Early Bird tickets are priced from £32 for adults and £20 for concessions, with single day tickets available from £20 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Tickets can be bought here.