Wolfpack set for London return

Hot on the heels of unveiling Sonny Bill Williams to the media, Toronto Wolfpack have confirmed they will be returning to the UK Capital in 2020 for the third instalment of the London Series, this time held at Allianz Park, home of Rugby Union Premiership Champions Saracens.

Two of the world’s most iconic sporting cities will again join forces in the new year with a clash between the Wolfpack and reigning Super League Champions St Helens. With 80,000 Canadians living in the UK, 60,000 of those in the capital, the two countries are inexorably linked and the Wolfpack are delighted to have the chance to continue the strengthening of that bond.

The festival of Rugby on Saturday February 29^th marks one of three scheduled “home games?? for the Wolfpack taking place in the UK early in the 2020 season and will see the Club bring a distinctly Canadian flavour to the capital. As in previous years, the London Series will be action-packed both on and off the field with plenty of Canadian-themed entertainment on hand as well as delicious food and a family-friendly atmosphere. Long-time Wolfpack partner, and hosts of the previous London Series, London Skolars will feature in a curtain raiser as their League 1 clash against the North Wales Crusaders kicks off at 3pm. The Wolfpack and St Helens will then do battle in their Super League Round 5 clash at 6pm.

Martin Vickers, Toronto Wolfpack UK General Manager, commented: “The London Series is a particularly special day on the Wolfpack calendar and already we are extremely excited to see taking shape. 

"As always, we are delighted to be partnering with London Skolars to make the day possible and we also extend our gratitude to Saracens for the use of their home ground and their generous hospitality. 

"The chance to do battle with Super League powerhouse St Helens is a mouth-watering proposition and we look forward to welcoming them and their fans to Allianz Park.??

As well as celebrating the first time the Wolfpack and St Helens have ever met on-field, the game will also mark Wolfpack recruit Sonny Bill Williams’ maiden contest in London as a Wolfpack player. The world-renowned athlete has represented New Zealand in the UK capital on multiple occasions, including a 2013 Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final win over England the All Blacks 2015 Rugby Union World Cup victory over Australia at Twickenham.

The Wolfpack’s Super League Round 5 fixture will also see second-rower Jon Wilkin facing off against his old side St Helens for the first time. After 404 games for the Saints and over 450 across a remarkable 17-year career, Wilkin will run out against many old friends at the London Series in what is sure to be the beginning of an enduring rivalry between the two Clubs.

Vickers continued by discussing the Wolfpack’s growth and their desire to continue reaching out to fans all over the world: “Throughout our journey we have always prioritised the growth of Rugby worldwide and festivals of the game such as the London Series are a critical component of that work. 

"There are many more people and businesses to thank in advance of this wonderful event and we look forward to working with every member of our rapidly expanding Wolfpack family as the day draws near.

“In 2019 and beyond, the prestigious North American sporting institutions of the NFL, NBA and MLB have all scheduled fixtures in London and the Wolfpack are proud to continue the trend of showcasing elite-level sport in one of the most recognisable cities on Earth.??

Tickets for the 2020 London Series will be available in the coming weeks from www.saracens.com