Hmmm.
I agree in part with what you've just said, but the 15 million we've taken from the Government to host the 2021 World Cup will not have been dished out on the basis that we "preach to the choir".
From memory the last 4 England games played in London averaged about 48,000. I know that includes a double header, but still, that is a figure that you have to go back to the 1986 ashes tests to see beaten by an attendance in the North.

We can only hope that the RFL are confident of getting a big gate in London in 2021 regardless of if they play next year or not.....and for the record, well done the RFL for announcing the venues and getting tickets on sale now...no reason why we won't see 3 full houses! Is the tour to be broadcast by the BBC?

The only other criticism I'll through out there is the potential missed opportunity in Newcastle.

Magic Weekend is a great concept in Newcastle, but we seem to be satisfied with one hit on that city every year. In the meantime, Newcastle Falcons are marketing their "big one" at St James Park in March, and the RU European Cup Final will be there in 2019. If the RFL / RL clubs are serious about the NE, they need to tap into that market properly.

Very surprised at no London option. Didn't need to be anything as big as the Olympic stadium, but plenty of other 30-40k seater stadiums to choose from.

Newcastle is definitely a missed opportunity given the last few years of the Magic weekend - could probably have done there instead of Hull but overall happy with the 3 choices, should be able to get plenty of tickets sold

Yeah I agree that there are a couple of other options they could have looked at, and I would have like to have seen a game in London. However, I can just imagine the outcry now if there had been 2 out of the 3 games outside of the heartlands... Tricky balancing act, and overall I'm pretty happy with the choices, and the relatively early announcements!

no newcastle- just goes to show that magic weekend is nothing to do with spreading the game... its all about which council bids the most to host it... all about the monies...

huddersfield always sells out for the tests, shame it didnt get a gig again

Newcastle would have been nice, but happy with one in Hull for that side of the country. Would defo have had Hudds over Elland Road though, every day of the week.

Pardon?

TBF it has for the last couple (v Ireland at the WC and v NZ last year), and that is exactly why it shouldn't be getting one this time round. If we can fill a 24/25k stadium, then next time we should be going to a bigger one - which we have.

sold out england v new zealand 2016

sold out for england v ireland 2013

over 24k

youre welcome

London average 48k for the last 4 tests.....as has been said by others, if the RFL can fill Huddersfield and get 40K in London easily then they are probably right to mix it up.....

Always sells out?

2004, 20k
2005, 19k
2007, 16.5k
2009, 19k

I'll ignore the 7,800 in 2012

It was the exiles......everyone ignored it

Gutted no London game as was wanting to take a handful of people to the game but have bought 3 for the KCOM and booked 2 days off for a visit to the folks.

didnt have time to go back 8 year +

yeh best to ignore 2012... exiles game!! not a test against new zealand.

lets hope these tests next year are sell outs. if they are then the right choices.