BBC confirm Challenge Cup coverage for opening round

BBC Sport has confirmed its coverage for the opening round of the men’s Challenge Cup later next month, breaking new grounds. 

The tie between Edinburgh Eagles and Saddleworth Rangers has been selected for coverage on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online on Saturday, February 11.

It will be the first time the BBC have shown a tie from Scotland since the unique coverage of the early rounds of the Challenge Cup was launched seven seasons ago.

BBC Sport will again be streaming one tie from each of the first five rounds of the Challenge Cup in 2023, before the Super League clubs join the competition at the Sixth Round stage in May.

The final returns to Wembley in 2023 and will mark the first time the men’s and women’s final has been played together as part of a double-header in August.

The 1895 Cup final and Year 7 Champion Schools will also remain part of rugby league’s showpiece event.

All but two of the 19 First Round ties will be played on Saturday February 11.

The two games on Sunday will see Heworth hosting Oulton Rangers at midday, while Myton Warriors travelling will face Jarrow Vikings at 1:30pm.

Challenge Cup first round draw

West Bowling v Waterhead – 11am

Edinburgh Eagles v Saddleworth Rangers – 1:15pm

Skirlaugh v Wests Warriors – 1:30pm

Brentwood Eels v Bedford Tigers – 1:30pm

Royal Navy v Barrow Island – 1:30pm

Westgate Common v Crosfields – 1:30pm

British Army v Ashton Bears – 1:30pm

Fryston Warriors v Thornhill Trojans – 2pm

Featherstone Lions v Great Britain Police – 2pm

Hull Dockers v Rhondda Outlaws – 2pm

Doncaster Toll Bar v RAF – 2pm

Stanningley v Milford – 2pm

Distington v Orrell St James – 2pm

London Chargers v North Herts Crusaders – 2:30pm

Wigan St Pats v Ince Rose Bridge – 2:30pm

Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Dublin City Exiles – 5pm

Sunday 12 February

Heworth v Oulton Raiders – 12pm

Jarrow Vikings v Myton Warriors – 1:30pm

Read next: Irish team hoping to make Challenge Cup history

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