RUGBY fans will be delighted to welcome back one of the biggest events of the year – the iconic Summer Bash.

Whitehaven will head down to Headingley this July to face off against neighbours Workington in an epic match that will be the first of it’s kind – with this year being the first Summer Bash that has been held anywhere else other than Blackpool.

The match will be the third derby clash of the year for the two teams who meet each other once again in the Championship.

The iconic home of Leeds Rhinos and numerous great Rugby League occasions has been selected to host the sixth gathering of all 14 Championship clubs on the weekend of July 30-31.

It will be the first time the Summer Bash has been played anywhere other than Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road since the festival was introduced in 2015, as an equivalent to Super League’s Magic Weekend

Mark Foster, the RFL’s chief commercial officer, said: “It’s an exciting line-up of fixtures which will showcase the quality of the teams and players in the Betfred Championship – and Headingley Stadium will be a fitting stage.

“It’s a venue with so much Rugby League history, which will be familiar to supporters of all 14 clubs – but this may be a first opportunity for many to experience the superb redevelopments of recent years.

“We hope that Headingley’s convenient location for so many Rugby League supporters will also encourage fans of clubs from outside the Betfred Championship to come and watch the action.

“And for those unable to make it to the event, the weekend will be featured live on Premier Sports as part of our new partnership to showcase the Betfred Championship.

“It’s always an enjoyable weekend on and off the field – and although it will be slightly different in Leeds as opposed to Blackpool, we’re confident Rugby League fans will find plenty of ways to enjoy themselves.”

Tickets went on sale on Monday morning at 9am with day and weekend ticket options available. Season ticket holders of Championship teams can buy direct from their club and receive 50% off their ticket price, with a limited number of full price tickets also being available for central sales at Rugby League (rugby-league.com).