And finally… Eagles fly the nest

The Sheffield Eagles rugby league team is, in theory, still planning a return to the city via a proposed new 5,000-seat stadium – but in the meantime, they’re heading out of the county.

The rugby league side is leaving Steel City Stadium and setting up home at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield – which is, famously, not in Sheffield or even Yorkshire.

Located in North East Derbyshire, the move to the 2,000-capacity venue has been attributed by the club to lower costs, improved matchday revenue opportunities, and a preference for a natural grass pitch.

It will also bring them closer to fellow tenants Sheffield F.C., who have been based at the ground since 2021.

The longer-term plan, however, remains a return to Sheffield. In 2023, the Eagles and Sheffield F.C. announced joint proposals for a new 5,000-capacity stadium at the former Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead.

Designed by Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, the scheme includes facilities for professional football and rugby league, alongside a cricket pavilion, indoor community sports hall and a “Home of Football” museum. The original aim was for the stadium to open this year, although that timeline has since slipped.

For now, the Eagles will continue to use Steel City Stadium as a training base — while their new home in Dronfield hosts its first fixture against London Broncos on Sunday 24 May, kicking off what might best be described as the “close enough to Sheffield” era.

A club statement said: “The MEPS International Home of Football Stadium and our partnership with Sheffield FC provides a more sustainable and forward-looking solution for us, whilst we continue to work on plans to secure a facility for both clubs in Sheffield.

“There is plenty of behind-the-scenes discussion taking place with key partners and further details will be announced at the right time for the project.”