The Challenge Cup got underway a fortnight ago with 20 amateur clubs taking the first step on the road to Wembley, all aiming to lift rugby league’s most historic trophy.
Since 1896 the Challenge Cup has served as the showpiece trophy for rugby league clubs to win, making it the oldest cup competition and therefore one of the most prestigious.
In 2023 we saw Leigh Leopards lift the trophy, the club’s first victory in the competition since 1971 as they edged out Hull KR in a dramatic final at Wembley that ended with a Lachlan Lam drop goal in golden point.
The road to Wembley began earlier this month with standout games from Round One seeing Royal Navy defeat their forces rival Royal Air Force, whilst Huddersfield Giants’ star Ash Goulding’s Stanningley team won in convincing fashion over South Wales Jets.
As for the Women’s competition, the groups have been confirmed with the draw taking place earlier this month as four groups of four were confirmed as holders’ St Helens drawn alongside Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, and Warrington Wolves.
Round Three and Four Challenge Cup Draw
Following the conclusion of the second round this weekend which saw some big upset wins from West Warriors and Hammersmith Hills Hoist, the draw for round three and four has been made.
That marks the introduction of the Championship and League One clubs into the competition, joining the ten community clubs that have already progressed.
One of the standout ties sees Wakefield Trinity travel to Siddal whilst the underdog story will continue for one of Hammersmith Hills Hoist or Wests Warriors as they have drawn each other.
Round Three Draw (to be played 10th/11th February)
– Sheffield Eagles v Newcastle Thunder
– Batley Bulldogs v Workington Town
– Bradford Bulls v North Wales Crusaders
– Cornwall v York Acorn
– Hunslet v Keighley Cougars
– Halifax Panthers v Whitehaven
– Stanningley v Wath Brow Hornets
– Swinton Lions v West Hull
– Siddall v Wakefield Trinity
– Dewsbury v York Knights
– Lock Lane v Hunslet ARLFC
– Widnes Vikings v Doncaster
– Hammersmith Hills Hoist v Wests Warriors
– Rochdale Hornets v Midlands Hurricanes
– Barrow Raiders v Oldham
– Thatto Heath Crusaders v Featherstone Rovers
Round Four Draw (to be played 24th/25h February)
– Batley Bulldogs or Workington Town v Rochdale Hornets or Midlands Hurricanes
– Hunslet or Keighley Cougars v Thatto Heath Crusaders or Featherstone Rovers
– Cornwall or York Acorn v Stanningley or Wath Brow Hornets
– Bradford Bulls or North Wales Crusaders v Widnes Vikings or Doncaster
– Swinton Lions or West Hull v Barrow Raiders or Oldham
– Siddall or Wakefield Trinity v Lock Lane or Hunslet ARLFC
– Halifax Panthers or Whitehaven v Hammersmith Hills Hoist or Wests Warriors
– Dewsbury or York Knights v Sheffield Eagles or Newcastle Thunder
What date is the Challenge Cup Final?
Hull Kingston Rovers v Leigh Leopards Rugby League Challenge Cup 12/08/2023. Cup Final Leigh Leopards Owner Derek Beaumont joins the players and celebrates at the final whistle during the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final match between Hull Kingston Rovers and Leigh Leopards at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 12 August 2023. London Wembley Stadium Greater London England Editorial use only , Copyright: xMickxAtkinsx PSI-17817-0127
There have been major changes in the rugby league calendar for 2024 and the Challenge Cup Final being moved forward to far earlier in the year is one of the major alterations.
Whilst the quarter-finals in 2023 took place during the middle of June this year’s competition will be done and dusted by 8th June, the date of the final at Wembley.
In comparison the 2023 final took place on August 12th, highlighting the key change in the calendar with this year’s showpiece game being brought forward by over two months.
This new Challenge Cup format for 2024 was confirmed hours before the 2023 final with RL Commercial’s Rhodri Jones releasing a statement explaining the motive behind the new schedule.
That change in format means that the first three rounds of the competition will be completed before the Super League season has even begun, Round Three is set to include ten amateur clubs, the nine League One clubs, and thirteen Championship clubs (Toulouse declined to participate as they have since 2016).
Those 32 teams will then be whittled down to four before the twelve Super League teams join the competition, effectively creating a Round of Sixteen and a straight knockout competition to make it to the final in June.
Meanwhile, the Women’s competition sees the group stage games begin on the weekend of March 16th and 17th before becoming a knock-out competition from a quarter-final stage, culminating in the final at Wembley on June 8th.
Where to watch the Challenge Cup on TV?
Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 20/05/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Challenge Cup Round 6 – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors – Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England – The BBC s Mark Chapman with Martin Offiah, Jamie Peacock & Jon WIlkin pitchside prior to play between Leeds and Wigan. Leeds Headingley Stadium England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2062-0004
The BBC has been the home of the Challenge Cup in terms of broadcast, showing every final since 1958, but they’re now committed to broadcasting at least one game from every round of the competition.
That was true of Round One when they aired the battle of the forces as Royal Air Force and Royal Navy faced off in a thrilling game, BBC covering the game on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer.
As well as the BBC there will also be coverage from The Sportsman who aired Orrell St James’ Round One win via their YouTube channel, and will now follow up with Orrell’s Round Two game at home to York Acorn on Sunday 28th January.
Meanwhile, the BBC will continue their coverage on iPlayer as Leigh Miners Rangers take on Ash Goulding’s Stanningley the day before on Saturday 27th January.
As the competition progresses live matches will be aired across the BBC primarily, however, The Sportsman will show one match per round up until the Round of 16.
How can I buy tickets for the Challenge Cup Final?
Hull KR v Leigh Leopards Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 12/08/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Challenge Cup Final – Hull KR v Leigh Leopards – Wembley Stadium, London, England – Leigh fans celebrate their side s try against Hull KR. Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2248-0031
For years the pilgrimage to watch the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley has been a staple for rugby league fans and that should be no different in 2024 given the incredible pricing of tickets for the game.
Both the Men’s and Women’s finals will be played on the same day with the 1895 Cup Final also part of the festival of rugby league on Saturday 8th June.
Last year was the first-ever triple-header and the first time that the Women’s Final had been held at the national stadium but thankfully the game will be held at Wembley once again in 2024.
Early ticketing has been made available by the RFL with prices starting from just £15 for adults with family packages also widely available. More information can be found here.
Warrington Wolves
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