Wigan at Elland Road
In anticipation of this Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final between Wigan and St Helens at Elland Road in Leeds I have had a look at the history books to check if Wigan have played at the stadium most famous for it’s football team Leeds United but which also has a strong rugby league history too.
Holbeck Rugby League club actually club built Elland Road in 1897 and played there from seven years before folding in 1904.
After the inaugural Northern Union season(1895/96 the next couple of seasons after it the Lancashire and Yorkshire divisions were separate.
When the divisions joined together Wigan were top flight and Holbeck never got promoted meaning Wigan never played them not even in the Challenge Cup.
Hunslet also ended up playing at Elland Road from 1983 until 1994 a period in which Wigan were at the absolute pinnacle of Rugby League.
Hunslet however were a yo-yo team in the 1980s and spent the occasional season in the top flight meaning Wigan got to play a few away games at Elland Road.
In the 1984-85 season Wigan beat Hunslet 48-16 at Elland Road.
Hunslet were back in the top flight in the 87/88 season and Wigan beat Hunslet 38-10.
Other Rugby League games at Elland Road include internationals, World Club Challenges and well as the famous 1982 Challenge Cup replay between Hull and Widnes but Wigan fans also have fond memories of the ground with the club having won three of their eight John Player Special/Regal trophies there.
I would be more happy for people to correct me if there are Wigan Rugby League games at Elland Road I have missed.
May 3rd, 2022