Gloucester move Slater Cup back to Kingsholm
Gloucester confirm their 2026/27 Slater Cup clash with Leicester Tigers will return to Kingsholm
©Steve Haag
Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that their 2026/27 Slater Cup home fixture against Leicester Tigers will be played at Kingsholm rather than Villa Park.
The Gallagher PREM clash, scheduled for the weekend of March 27, 2027, had initially been earmarked for another trip to Birmingham.
Gloucester Bring Slater Cup Back to Kingsholm
The decision follows Gloucester’s first “Big Game” at Villa Park last season, when more than 24,000 supporters watched Leicester claim a 36-17 victory and retain the Slater Cup.
Gloucester had moved the fixture away from Kingsholm in an attempt to increase attendance, attract new supporters beyond the city and create greater commercial opportunities.
However, taking one of Gloucester’s limited Gallagher PREM home fixtures away from Kingsholm proved controversial among sections of the club’s traditional supporter base.
Supporter Feedback Influences Venue Change
When the 2026/27 fixtures were announced, Gloucester’s home meeting with Leicester on the weekend of March 27 was again provisionally listed for Villa Park.
The club has now reversed that plan following a review of last season’s event. Supporter feedback was among the factors considered, while ongoing development work at Villa Park also contributed to the decision to return the fixture to Kingsholm.
Slater Cup Honours Ed Slater
The Slater Cup is contested between Gloucester and Leicester in honour of former lock Ed Slater, who represented both clubs during his career.
Slater was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2022, with the rivalry subsequently renamed in his honour and used to raise awareness and funds supporting families affected by MND.
