London Broncos won again to progress to the first round proper of the new-look 1895 Cup, with two other sides joining them.
The 1895 Cup was created to be a competition that would give teams outside Super League a more realistic chance of making it to Wembley, with the final of the competition being played there since its inception.
That’s set to change this year although no official venue for the final has been confirmed. Nevertheless, the competition still gives clubs a brilliant shot at silverware which is why it’s so revered.
Three preliminary games were played on Sunday with the three victors joining 13 other teams in the first round proper, which is set to be played on the weekend of April 18th and 19th.
London Broncos, Sheffield Eagles and Newcastle Thunder were the three sides to progress and they’ll meet Keighley Cougars, Rochdale Hornets and Batley Bulldogs respectively in the first round.
1895 Cup round-up
The draw for round one was made at the same time as the preliminary draw so all of London, Sheffield and Newcastle knew who they would face should they progress.
London defeated high-flying Barrow 36-10 as they etched another win on the board in their so-far perfect season. Sheffield Eagles continued their strong start as they beat Swinton Lions 50-0 to earn their trip to Rochdale.
Newcastle found their game the most competitive though they still ran out comfortable 28-12 winners on the road against Workington, booking them a home tie against Batley Bulldogs.
1895 Cup First Round Fixtures – to be played April 18th/19th
London Broncos v Keighley Cougars
Doncaster RLFC v Salford RLFC
Dewsbury Rams v Widnes Vikings
Goole Vikings v Whitehaven RLFC
Oldham RLFC v Hunslet RLFC
Newcastle Thunder v Batley Bulldogs
North Wales Crusaders v Midlands Hurricanes
Rochdale Hornets v Sheffield Eagles
Key dates for the 1895 Cup
Preliminary Round – 14/15 March
First Round – 18/19 April
Quarter Finals – 16/17 May
Semi Finals – 13/14 June
Final – 31 August, venue TBC
🏆 @LondonBroncosRL, @SheffieldEagles and @ThunderRugby move into Round 1 of the 1895 Cup… pic.twitter.com/pLhEXNEyc0
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) March 15, 2026
