Why is UK rugby league heading to Las Vegas?

Super League teams will be playing at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, in the US, is usually known for world-class entertainment shows, dazzling lights and being in the middle of a desert.

But now it's going to be known for one other thing - rugby league - as current Super League champions, Wigan Warriors, will play Warrington Wolves at the Allegiant Stadium on 1 March next year.

The teams from the north west of England open a four-game festival where England Women will also face world champions, Australia's Jillaroos.

There will also be two Australasia National Rugby League (NRL) games - Canberra Raiders taking on the New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers will play Sydney rivals, Cronulla Sharks.

Why is the Super League going to Las Vegas?

Wigan Warriors won the Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves in June

It all started after Australasian rugby league, the NRL, held a "double-header" of two matches in for the first time in Las Vegas earlier this year.

After seeing its success, the UK Super League decided it wanted to get involved with a historic event of its own.

Andrew Abdo, NRL Chief Executive, said it will be a "bigger, bolder and better festival of Rugby League" in 2025.

The Allegiant Stadium is home to American football team, the Las Vegas Raiders, and is where the 2024 NFL Super Bowl final was held. More than 40,000 people were at the match earlier this year.

Playing in Las Vegas offers a big chance to attract international supporters to the sport, that is generally known for having its biggest fanbase in northern England. It's also a chance for the teams to be seen by Australasia's NRL fans.

Karl Fitzpatrick, Warrington Wolves boss, says it will put Super League "on the map" and bring more opportunities in the future.

Thousands of British Rugby League fans are expected to travel to see the games and it is hoped groups of new fans could form across the world.

What does it mean for women's rugby league?

England captain Jodie Cunningham is excited to play in Las Vegas

The women's match against Australia will be a Test match - this is one played between two national teams.

England captain Jodie Cunningham said: “I think it’s fantastic that the NRL have recognised the importance of the women’s game in this way."

Jodie said, while the match will be a "massive challenge" for the team to take on the world champions, they were all "blown away" by the opportunity.

Do the US and the UK swap venues for other sports?

Major League Baseball is also played in London

The NFL play regularly in the UK. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and New York Patriots will all play in London in October 2024.

Major League Baseball (MLB) also play in the UK. Last month the London series was held between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

Premiership teams will play pre-season matches in the US. For example, Manchester City fly to the US later this month to play four matches ahead of the new Premier League season.