Two-legged ties could be introduced to the Challenge Cup 

Two-legged ties could be added to the Challenge Cup competition under IMG’s latest proposals to rugby league.

The global organisation announced its plans to ‘reimagine rugby league’ earlier this week, speaking to both clubs and the press.

Amongst those plans could see the introduction of two-legged ties in the sixth round of the competition, the stage at which Super League clubs enter.

IMG’s plans also included the end of loop fixtures and Magic Weekend, looking to bring life back into the historic Challenge Cup.  

Chairman of the Rugby Football League, Simon Johnson, spoke to BBC 5 Live following IMG’s presentations on Wednesday in Manchester.

IMG to reinvigorate the prestigious Challenge Cup competition

“We intend to move the new Challenge Cup final to May in a couple of years time. Reinvigorating of the Challenge Cup is something that IMG think is quite important,” Johnson told presenter Dave Woods.

“I think there are all sorts of reasons why they don’t want to go forward with Magic Weekend at the moment. There’s many positive things about Magic Weekend. But what they’ve tried to do here with these set of proposals is reinvigorate the Challenge Cup.

“So, one of those proposals is that in Round Six when the Super League teams enter the competition, it will be a home and away two-legged tie to provide a bit more interest and a bit more involvement for clubs with the final taking place in May.”

IMG’s other proposals including the scrapping of automatic promotion and relegation, introducing a new grading system. England could also be set for an annual test against France on the international stage under the new plans.

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