Easter Monday double-header confirmed

The DW Stadium pitch was relayed earleir this month

Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors will both play at the DW Stadium on Easter Monday.

Latics face Rochdale at 1.30pm before Warriors kick off their game against Hull KR at 8pm.

The DW Stadium was scheduled to host the Latics at 3pm, but this has been brought forward to allow for the stadium to be turned around in time for the Super League clash.

This arrangement will see both Wigan teams play at the DW Stadium on the same day for the first time in the ground’s history.

Warriors chairman, Ian Lenagan, said: “We requested formally of the RFL in September that this known fixture clash be avoided in the 2016 Super League fixturing.

“That did not happen. Consequently, both Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic have been working collaboratively to resolve this issue as early as possible. The solution will see both teams play at the DW Stadium on the same day for the first time since the stadium opened in 1999.

“We apologise to Wigan fans for this change of timing which is completely outside of our control and thank Wigan Athletic, Hull KR and Rochdale AFC for their cooperation and positive assistance in allowing the match at least to take place on Easter Monday rather than at another venue or being postponed.”

“The solution is an endorsement of the growing relationship between the two Wigan clubs.”

Jonathan Jackson, Wigan Athletic Chief Executive said: “We would like to thank Rochdale Football Club for agreeing to an earlier kick-off, otherwise there would not have been enough time to host a match in the evening.

“Stadium Manager Andy Birch has devised a plan to turn the stadium around in the time available but it will take a huge effort from his staff, involving the groundsman and his team, the stadium hospitality staff and cleaners.

“As a football club, the idea of moving kick-offs is familiar in the live television age, so this will not be a problem for Gary Caldwell and the players, but it is a huge logistical undertaking for the stadium to host both games on the same day and we are grateful to Andy and his staff for their professionalism in accommodating these fixtures.”