The French Magic Weekend in Castres

Toulouse Olympique and Catalans Dragons invite French rugby league supporters to the Stade Pierre-Fabre on 4 July for a special edition of the French Magic Weekend.

A Must-See Super League Event

An iconic fixture in the Super League calendar, the Magic Weekend is organised each season by the Rugby Football League (RFL). This unique event showcases the competition through a dedicated festival atmosphere designed to promote rugby league and offer supporters an unforgettable experience.

This year, with two French clubs competing in the Super League, the RFL, in agreement with Toulouse Olympique and Catalans Dragons, has decided to stage their fixture on French soil as part of this special occasion.

The decision will allow French supporters to enjoy the event without having to cross the Channel.

Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial :« We are delighted that our two France-based clubs have reached an agreement with Castres Olympique to host this exceptional fixture. We are confident it will be a tremendous success and will complement the record-breaking event being staged at Everton. »

Castres: A Rugby Heartland to Host the event

To host this showcase fixture, the organisers have selected Castres and its iconic Stade Pierre-Fabre.

Home of Castres Olympique and a historic stronghold of French rugby union, the city naturally emerged as the ideal venue for this occasion.

Olivier Dubois, Toulouse Olympiques President: « We chose to organise this first French Magic Weekend in Castres, an iconic rugby city, because Stade Pierre-Fabre provides the perfect setting for this clash between the two French Super League clubs. This exceptional fixture adds a unique dimension to the event and allows us to celebrate rugby league while sharing this festival with as many people as possible.

Bernard Guasch, Catalans Dragons President: ” We are delighted to have the opportunity, as part of this Magic Weekend, to play at the home of Castres Olympique. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience a major occasion in a truly iconic stadium with a rich history. We are also excited to introduce Super League to the many rugby clubs and supporters across the Tarn region and neighbouring areas, and to share with them the spectacle and intensity of our competition.”

Its deep-rooted rugby culture, high-quality facilities and passionate sporting community will provide the perfect backdrop for this meeting between the two French representatives in the Super League.

Hosting the event in such an iconic venue also represents a fantastic opportunity to introduce rugby league to new audiences and further raise the profile of the sport in a region where passion for the oval ball runs deep.

Matthias Rolland, Castres Olympique’s Managing Director: « We are very pleased to welcome a major rugby league event to Stade Pierre-Fabre for the Magic Weekend on 4 July. The Tarn is a true rugby region, with many passionate supporters and participants who have been helping rugby league thrive for many years. Beyond the sporting aspect, this international event will bring together two iconic clubs and contribute to the profile and reputation of both our city and the wider region. It will also allow our supporters to continue enjoying top-class rugby during the summer break, while giving others the opportunity to discover Stade Pierre-Fabre and witness a high-level fixture. Castres Olympique is proud to be part of this wonderful event. » 

An Exceptional derby

The match will see Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique face off, the only two French clubs currently competing in the Super League.

Beyond the sporting stakes, the occasion symbolises the continued growth of French rugby league at the highest level of European competition and will celebrate two clubs proudly representing France in one of the sport’s most demanding championships.

On Saturday 4 July, Castres will become the gathering point for rugby league supporters from across France for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Tickets

Tickets for the event are available through the official Castres Olympique ticketing platform quickly.