Over the years there have been many fixtures between the clubs two 2nd XVs but the 1st XV first met in the Yorkshire Cup in April 2008 at Sheffield Tigers where Tigers won a tight match 14-20. The clubs were scheduled to meet in the Cup again in 2009 but Tigers League priorities understandably saw this game not played. The clubs met again in the Cup in 2017 when Tigers pace outclassed a mainly second XV from Hull Ionians to win 38-14.
Recent years has seen pre-season practise matches between the clubs all of which saw plenty of tries scored.
Until this season the clubs have only met in the league 2011/12 and 2012/13 when both were previously in National 2 North together. In 2011/12 both teams won their home matches Tigers 48-18 in October and Hull Ionians 30-23 in February. 2012/13 saw Hull Ionians win both as we moved to finish top in the league, starting the season with a close 28-24 home win then when playing with confidence win 41-21 at Dore Moor at the end of April.
Hull Ionians won the opening match of the season at Brantingham Park 35-33 setting them off on their winning of the league and promotion this season. Tigers are now also safe so this match has nothing at stake except pride with both teams wanting to end the season on a winning note.