Rugby League is officially back!
Months after England’s whitewash over Tonga brought the 2023 season to a close, we finally have competitive Rugby League back as the Challenge Cup gets under way this weekend.
The Challenge Cup is one of British sport’s biggest competitions, and it always delivers on the excitement. Last season saw Leigh Leopards star Lachlan Lam slot a drop goal in golden point to claim his side’s first Challenge Cup triumph in 52 years. This wasn’t the only golden point drama in the Challenge Cup last year, as Brad Schneider also knocked over a drop goal to take Hull KR to Wembley.
Teams from across the country have again entered the Challenge Cup this season, as they dream of lifting the historic trophy under the Wembley arches, but this weekend sees the amateur teams take the spotlight.
The pick of the bunch has been selected to be aired live on the BBC on Saturday afternoon. Fans will be in for a treat in yet another armed forces rivalry as the Royal Air Force take on the Royal Navy. The Navy were involved in a similar game last season as they took on the army in round one, but will they beat the Air Force this time around? The game will be broadcast live on the BBC red button service and on BBC iPlayer.
Elsewhere on Saturday, the Army’s clash with Fryston Warriors is available to stream on YouTube channel Forces News.
On Sunday, there is yet another game available to steam as Orrell St James’ game against Haresfinch will be streamed live on the Sportsman Youtube channel.
Challenge Cup Round One fixtures in full:
Saturday 13th January:
Royal Air Force vs Royal Navy-BBC red button/BBC iPlayer 12:30
Clock Face Miners vs Heworth ARLFC-13:30
Doncaster Toll Bar ARLFC vs Ashton Bears ARLFC-13:30
Lowca vs Edinburgh Eagles-13:30
South Wales Jets vs Stanningley SARLC-13:30
Wests Warriors vs Newsome Panthers ARLFC-13:30
Fryston Warriors vs British Army-Forces News YouTube 14:00
Oulton Raiders vs West Bowling ARLFC-14:00
Hammersmith Hills Hoists vs Medway Dragons-15:00
Sunday 14th January:
Orrell St James v Haresfinchs-Sportsman YouTube 14:00
