BBC make more history with Challenge Cup Round Two televised fixture announced

The first round of the Challenge Cup is set to take place this coming weekend and there’s a handful of new names in the hat and also representatives from all four nations of the United Kingdom, but it’s also been announced which sides will receive TV coverage for round two.

The BBC have taken advantage of the fact all four nations are represented and they’re sending television coverage to Scotland to broadcast Edinburgh Eagles hosting Saddleworth Rangers.

It marks the first ever side a Scottish side have been involved in a televised fixture in the competition’s 127-year history, and they’re aiming for more history in round two.

It’s today been announced that League One Cornwall RLFC will see the cameras descend on them in their round two fixture against National Conference League’s Rochdale Mayfield, both sides having been granted a bye in round one.

That will mark the first ever time a Cornish club side has been broadcast nationally, and also shows the extent to which the Challenge Cup covers domestic rugby league – Edinburgh and Cornwall being almost 600 miles apart.

Whilst Edinburgh get the competition underway on BBC this Saturday with a 1:15pm kick-0ff, we have to wait until Saturday 25th February to see Cornwall host Rochdale in their 1pm kick-off.

Both games will be covered on BBC iPlayer and the Cornish side are delighted with the coverage.

John Beach, General Manager of Cornwall, said: “We are thrilled that our debut in the Challenge Cup will be shown live on BBC Sport.

“We travelled across to Wembley when the draws for the first two rounds were made last month, because it is such a significant step for our club to enter the sport’s most historic competition.

“For our club to receive national broadcast exposure will be a huge lift in terms of profile and awareness as we prepare for our second season – and it will also provide deserved recognition for Rochdale Mayfield who will be making such a long trip down for the match.”

A full list of first and second round fixtures can be found here.