Major broadcasters set to return British rugby league

Rugby league is set to return to an old broadcaster in the 2024 season. This is with the RFL planning to secure a TV deal for the Betfred Championship after the end of the agreement with Viaplay.

This is set to see sport return to Premier Sports in 2024 with the Game Caller again reporting that they are the likely broadcasters for the 2024 Betfred Championship season with Premier Sports set to return to its former broadcasters in 2024.

It is expected that games will be shown on Sunday evenings instead of the previous Monday night slots.

Rugby league set for road to Wembley

Speaking of new broadcastrers, Super League’s new broadcasters the BBC have confirmed coverage of a special event this upcoming Monday.

The draw for Round 6 of the Men’s Betfred Challenge Cup will be broadcast live on Sportsday from the BBC’s studios at MediaCity on Monday 11 March, from 6.30pm.

Sportsday, which is on air from 6.30-7pm, is the BBC News daily sports news programme. Former Super League star Iestyn Harris will be at MediaCity to conduct the draw – 25 years on from his record-equalling cup final exploits in 1999. At Wembley Stadium in May 1999, Harris scored 20 points (one try, eight goals) in Leeds Rhinos’ 52–16 triumph over London Broncos, matching Neil Fox’s haul for Wakefield Trinity against Hull FC in the 1960 final.

Cup holders Leigh Leopards will be one of 16 teams in the hat, and Adrian and Lachlan Lam will also be part of the Sportsday programme. Head coach Adrian Lam last year guided Leigh to their first major trophy in 52 years, his son Lachlan clinching the Challenge Cup in golden point extra-time with the first drop goal of his career against Hull KR at Wembley Stadium.

BBC News is available via BBC iPlayer and the following TV channels.

• Freeview: 231
• Sky: 503
• Virgin Media: 601

Joining the 12 Super League clubs in the Round 6 draw will be the winners of this weekend’s four Betfred Challenge Cup fifth round ties, which include Saturday’s all-Championship clash between Swinton Lions and Sheffield Eagles – this match being shown live on BBC Red Button, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 12.20pm.

Betfred Challenge Round 5 ties

Swinton Lions v Sheffield Eagles (Saturday 9 March, KO 12.30pm)

Widnes Vikings v Batley Bulldogs (Saturday 9 March 9, KO 6pm)

Featherstone Rovers v Wakefield Trinity (Sunday 10 March, KO 3pm, live on The Sportsman)

Halifax Panthers v York Acorn (Sunday 10 March, 3pm)

Round 6 ties will take place over the weekend of 23/24 March.

 

The Men’s 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final (KO 3pm) is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the finals of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup (KO 11.45am) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup (KO 5.45pm). Tickets are available online now at our 25% OFF Early Bird and starting from only £15 Adults and £7.50 Under 16s, with family packages also available.