The talk this week has been about the Third Round draw for the Men’s Challenge Cup, but the 2026 campaign for the Women’s and Wheelchair game will also start with the knockout competition.
All three draws were made at the Championship season launch in Wakefield on Monday afternoon, with the ties being confirmed by clubs and the RFL shortly after the draw took place.
As it has done for the past few years, the Women’s Super League season will start with the Cup, and the first round be a group stage format, before the top two teams in each group go through to the quarter-finals.
What’s new for 2026 though, is that Catalans Dragons will enter the Women’s Challenge Cup for the first time ever, in what is a huge moment for the sport.
The club, who have recently added ex-York Valkyrie boss Lindsay Anfield to their staff, will play all of their games in the UK, and have signed a number of established NRLW players this off-season to bolster the squad.
They have been drawn in a group with St Helens and Huddersfield Giants, and will play in Group A.
Leeds Rhinos, who finished fourth in the WSL in 2025, will face Leigh Leopards and London Broncos, whilst reigning Champions Wigan Warriors will begin their title defence against Cardiff Demons and Featherstone Rovers.
York Valkyrie and Barrow Raiders round out the draw, with those two teams comprising Group D.
The three rounds of group fixtures will take place in April, with the quarter finals being held a week after the group stage concludes.
The semi-finals and final will be held as a double header alongside the men’s competition, with the final taking place at Wembley on May 30.
Wheelchair Challenge Cup Round One draw confirmed
The draw for the First Round of the Wheelchair Challenge Cup has also been done, and this year it will see teams from the Super League and Championship all taking part.
Defending champions Halifax Panthers start their cup campaign against Batley Bulldogs, whilst beaten finalists London Roosters will face Wakefield Trinity.
The remaining six fixtures are as follows, with dates for the competition still to be confirmed:
Hull FC v Gravesend
Sheffield Eagles v Midlands Hurricanes
North Wales Crusaders v Wigan Warriors
Rochdale v Edinburgh Giants
York Knights v Leeds Rhinos
Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls
