GLOUCESTER RUGBY TO HOST SLATER CUP AT VILLA PARK

Gloucester Rugby’s 2025/26 Gallagher PREM home fixture against Leicester Tigers will be held at Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park, on Saturday 28 March 2026. Kick-off 1pm.

The Slater Cup, named after former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2022, is contested between the two teams every season across each home and away Gallagher PREM fixture.

This season, Gloucester’s leg of The Slater Cup will take place at Villa Park, Birmingham, with a capacity of over 40,000. The Cherry & Whites will join Saracens and Bristol as Clubs who will host a fixture away from their home stadium, as part of the ‘Big Game’ weekend, during Round 12 in March 2026.

The decision to take the game to the legendary stadium is threefold, as Gloucester Rugby CEO Alex Brown explains:

“Like other Clubs, we want to create new, unmissable experiences for fans, and taking a game to another venue - and a world-class one in Villa Park - is a great opportunity to do so. The facilities available will enable us to create a truly memorable day out for our loyal fan base and for those new to the sport, ultimately expanding our reach and commercial potential.

“We also announced last year that, following the creation of the Men’s Progressional Game Partnerships (MPGP), our Academy had been allocated a significantly expanded geographical area, including Birmingham. While that expansion is focused on identifying and nurturing more young talent into the game, we also want to bring the professional game, the Gallagher PREM, to a new audience as part of that new footprint. Villa Park was an obvious choice to make that happen.

“Finally, and arguably most importantly, the potential to sell more tickets, to bring new fans into our sport and in doing so, raise awareness of the 4ED Foundation, and the devastating impact of MND, is priority. We know fans of both Clubs, as well as the wider rugby community, are deeply connected to Ed and will show their full support come Saturday 28 March 2026.”

2025/26 Club Members will be able to claim their ticket for The Slater Cup at Villa Park, included in their membership, as well as purchase additional tickets, from 14 August, before the general sale on 28 August. Club Members will be contacted with instructions ahead of 14 August.

For FAQs regarding The Slater Cup at Villa Park, click here.

​In partnership with Gloucester Rugby
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk