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RFL confirm Wembley as Challenge Cup Final host venue

The RFL have confirmed that the Challenge Cup Final will be staged at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 17 October.

The disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic had shed some doubt over the competition but with the semi-final fixtures now confirmed, the date and venue for the final have now been pencilled in.

The final will be broadcast live on the BBC, as will both semi-finals, with Salford, Leeds, Wigan and Warrington the remaining teams vying for a place at Wembley.

There remains some hope that the final could be played with fans in attendance, however the semi-finals will be staged behind closed doors, as has been the case in both Super League and the Challenge Cup since the sport restarted in August.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Coral Challenge Cup Final in our 125th anniversary year will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday October 17.

“2020 has been a tough year for all for obvious reasons, but it is also a special one for the sport of Rugby League – and we have therefore remained determined to do everything possible to ensure a day of celebration as well as reflection at Wembley.

“The fact this will be the 78th Challenge Cup Final at Wembley since the original, visionary decision to take the Final south in 1929 underlines the strength of the relationship between the national stadium and the sport of rugby league.

“The players of the four clubs who have reached the Semi Finals now know what is at stake. It has remained the fervent wish of the RFL that supporters of the two teams who reach the final would be able to join them there, as well as the thousands who bought tickets for Wembley before lockdown.

“However we recognise that public health must remain the priority, and these decisions may be taken out of our hands. We have already made the decision to stage the semi-finals behind closed doors – and the draw has produced two intriguing ties for BBC coverage on October 3.”

Remaining Challenge Cup 2020 fixtures:

Semi Finals – Saturday October 3 – Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens

Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors (KO 2:30pm)

Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves (KO 5:00pm)

Final – Saturday October 17, Wembley Stadium

TBC v TBC (KO 3:00pm)

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