Gloucester Rugby has announced that the 2026/27 Slater Cup match will be held at Kingsholm Stadium, reversing plans for the game to take place at Villa Park.
Last season, Gloucester staged the fixture against Leicester Tigers at Villa Park in Birmingham, marking the club’s inaugural ‘Big Game’. The Tigers emerged victorious with a 36-17 win in front of over 24,000 spectators, retaining the Slater Cup.
The Slater Cup, named in honour of former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2022, is contested annually between the two clubs over their home and away Gallagher Premiership Cymru fixtures.
READ MORE: Man Charged with Drink Driving Following Collision with Parked Cars
READ MORE: Charming Gloucestershire Dog Seeks Loving Forever Home
Last year’s decision to host the match at Villa Park aimed to increase ticket capacity, broaden Gloucester’s fan base in the north, and open up additional commercial opportunities. However, this move was met with some controversy, as it reduced the number of league matches at Kingsholm, the club’s traditional home venue.
Initially, the 2026/27 fixture scheduled for the weekend of 27 March had been planned to again take place at Villa Park. However, following extensive supporter feedback and ongoing development work at Aston Villa’s stadium, Gloucester Rugby has confirmed the game will return to Kingsholm.
In an official statement, Gloucester Rugby said: >
“The 2025/26 Slater Cup at Villa Park marked an important milestone as Gloucester Rugby’s first Big Game fixture. Hosting the event at a new venue provided valuable insight and demonstrated the potential of taking Gloucester Rugby beyond Kingsholm, helping us introduce new fans to the Cherry & White experience, while also raising significant funds for the 4ED Foundation.
“Following a thorough review of the event, including extensive feedback from supporters and stakeholders, the Club has decided that the Slater Cup will return to Kingsholm for the 2026/27 Gallagher Premiership season. This decision has also been influenced by significant stadium developments planned at Villa Park over the coming months.”
Alex Brown, Gloucester Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: >
“I want to start by thanking our supporters for the feedback they have shared since the fixture. Listening to and understanding the views of our fanbase is an important part of how we make decisions as a Club.
“The experience at Villa Park provided valuable learning and reinforced the opportunities that Big Game fixtures can create in terms of growing our reach, attracting new audiences, and strengthening Gloucester Rugby’s position for the future.
“As we look ahead, our focus is on delivering the best possible matchday experience for our supporters at Kingsholm, while continuing to explore opportunities that support the long-term growth of the Club, which may well include future Big Games.
“Returning the Slater Cup to Kingsholm next season reflects our immediate focus, while giving us time to consider future opportunities in the wider context of the game and the Club’s priorities.
“We are grateful to Aston Villa for their support and partnership, and to our supporters for their continued passion and engagement. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Kingsholm for the Slater Cup in March 2027.”