Challenge Cup remains at Wembley until 2025

Wembley Stadium will stage another feast of Rugby League including the Betfred Women’s and Men’s Challenge Cup Finals on Saturday June 8 in 2024 – reverting to an earlier slot in a restructured calendar.

Tickets will go on sale next week at www.rugby-league.com/tickets for an event which will also include the fifth AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and the inspiresport Champion Schools.

The Final of Rugby League’s oldest knockout competition returned to Wembley this year after an outing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022. History was made as the Women’s Challenge Cup Final between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens was also played at the national stadium for the first time before the Men’s Final between Hull KR and Leigh Leopards.

Saturday saw the 80th Final and now a two-year deal has been concluded to confirm the 81^st and 82^nd Men’s Finals will be staged at Wembley Stadium in 2024 and 2025 – as well as the second and third Women’s Finals.

Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of Rugby League Commercial, said: “We are pleased to be able to confirm that Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day will be played at Wembley Stadium in each of the next two years and will be returning to an earlier position in the season in June.

“This fits with the Reimagining of Rugby League through the sport’s long-term partnership with IMG, as we work towards a restructured calendar, and also maintain the double header of Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cup Finals given the growth potential of the Women’s and Girls’ game.

“This will be an historic weekend for the sport’s longest-established showpiece, as for the first time the athletes of Women’s Rugby League take their rightful place on the Wembley stage alongside the men – with both Finals given a national platform on BBC Sport.

“With a fresh feel to the Men’s Final between two teams who have waited a long time since their single Wembley Challenge Cup wins in 1971 and 1980, and two new finalists in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup, there is a real mood of positivity going into the weekend, as Rugby League plays its part in the centenary celebrations for Wembley Stadium.”

Paul Smyth, Head of Operations at Wembley Stadium, added: “We are delighted to host Rugby League’s Challenge Cup Finals Day here at Wembley Stadium for another two years.

“Challenge Cup Final day is always one of the great days in the calendar and we are proud to have hosted it here at Wembley since 1929. We look forward to putting on more world-class finals over the next few years.”