Toronto Wolfpack are set to deliver a first ever home game on the road, as New River Stadium in London hosts the Pack against Halifax RLFC on Saturday 28th April. The game gives the chance to raise the profile of the Wolfpack brand, and fly a flag in the UK capital. Head Coach Paul Rowley commented:
“We see the big picture, the wider good of the community and rugby league in general. Whether that’d be promoting the game in North America and Canada, or in helping the game grow in London.”
The Wolfpack have been engaging with key partners and stakeholders across the UK capital and beyond to deliver a full day festival of rugby. The Wolfpack hope to export the highly acclaimed Lamport Stadium Game Day experience to North London. Rowley continued:
“It’s going to be a big event, a noisy event, and we’re going to try to replicate the atmosphere, the party feel, and all the surroundings and tribunes that goes on at Lamport on our home fixtures.”
Canadians in London will have a taste of home thanks to a themed Fanzone complete with Pure Maple Syrup give-aways, Nanaimo Bars, Maple cookies, Fudge and Toffee from Maple Food Company. The Wolfpack’s famous beer garden will be reproduced through Caveman Brewery’s range of Craft Beers and Ciders.
In Canadian Sporting tradition the game will be preceded by National Anthems sung by a Canadian Naval Petty Officer, as well as a Canadian Colour Guard. Included in the ceremony will be a moment of silence in which the Wolfpack and fans will honour the victims of this month’s Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash in Saskatchewan. Funds will also be raised for the Broncos through a pre-game raffle for a Wolfpack signed shirt at the Maple Leaf Bar in Covent Garden.
Representatives from the High Commission of Canada will be at the game, with Wolfpack players and coaches attending a reception at Canada House in Trafalgar Square on Thursday to celebrate 2017’s League 1 title win. The League 1 trophy will be on display on the night, as well as available for fans to see at Saturday’s game. Rowley added:
“The interest is there from the Canadian High Commission. There’s an official feel to the game, and there’s some really high profile guests coming along to support the event.”
Ahead of the game a Try Tag Rugby tournament will take place as part of the Wolfpack’s drive to grow participation in all forms of rugby on both sides of the Atlantic. This is delivered through Wolfpack Partner Try Tag Rugby. An exhibition game will also take place at half time between a Canada and England with Wolfpack players featuring as team captains. The game itself will be hosted by multi-award winning writer, and respected Rugby League journalist Steve Mascord.
The game itself is sponsored by TD Securities, a global investment bank offering a wide range of integrated products and services to corporations, institutions and governments around the world. Staff from the London Office will enjoy a VIP experience on the day.
Toronto Wolfpack Major Partner Air Transat, alongside tour operator Canadian Affair are running a fantastic competition for all attendees at the game. Fans need to register on the Toronto Wolfpack Website throughout the next week to enter. A lucky winner will then be chosen to receive two tickets on an Official Supporter Trip to Toronto this summer, and will receive these in a post match presentation with one of the Wolfpack stars.
Maple Leaf Diamonds, who have partnered with the Wolfpack for 2018, are also running a compelling competition which offers fans in the UK an opportunity to nominate someone to win a spectacular Maple Leaf Diamonds’ pendant, valued at £2,500. The contest aims to recognize the very best in Wolfpack fans and followers as they nominate someone and explain why they deserve to be matched with the grand prize. A shortlist of 4 entrants with their nominees will be invited to the game to take part in an on field contest to determine the winner.
After the game a DJ will play, with Wolfpack players staying on to chat to mix with fans in true Lamport fashion. A limited amount of Toronto Wolfpack merchandise will also be on sale through Toronto Wolfpack’s new retail partner Mascord Brownz.
Toronto Wolfpack are running a number of ticket promotions to engage with key groups. This includes a free ticket offer is running for all Pacific Island Passport holders and a number of discounts to engage various communities and groups. All tickets for juniors are also free.
Halifax fans, London Skolars fans and tag rugby participants in London are also included in a ticket offer. Wolfpack UK Business Development Manager Martin Vickers said:
“We are grateful to London Skolars, in particular Simon Fox and his commercial team for their efforts in putting this event together.
“We look forward to seeing Skolars fans come together with fans from Halifax, London Broncos and of course the Wolfpack to enjoy a Rugby League showcase event.”
Tickets are selling fast for this event, with limited availability. Supporters are encouraged to book online ahead of the event to not miss out.
To buy tickets please visit click here.
