2023 Challenge Cup to make history with team returning to tournament after 20 years

The Challenge Cup is the oldest and most prestigious competition in rugby league beginning all the way back in 1897.

Now, after a 20 year absence, an Irish team is set to return to the competition.

After two decades out of the tournament, Dublin City Exiles will compete in the 2023 Challenge Cup if they get the necessary funding from their go fund me page.

In a statement made on Twitter, the Irish side said:

“Following winning the Irish Rugby League in 2022, Dublin City Exiles have qualified to enter the Challenge Cup based in the UK. It has been a 20 year wait for this momentous occasion.

“The 2023 competition will be the 121st edition of the Challenge Cup, the main rugby league knockout tournament in the UK.

“To fund this expedition and help our traveling players we have set up a GoFundMe. All donations are much appreciated and will go to making sure our players have everything they need to be the first Irish team to win a Challenge Cup game.”

To support the club on this venture, you can  Click here to donate.

The Challenge Cup has been home to Welsh teams such as the Crusaders as well as French sides including 2005 semi-finalists Toulouse Olympique.

Catalans Dragons made it to the first ever final at the new Wembley and of course won the tournament back in 2018.