Challenge Cup finals date moved as Wembley Stadium confirmed for next two years
Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
Wembley Stadium will stage the next two Challenge Cup finals with dates moved to an earlier slot in June for 2024 as part of IMG’s new takeover.
The capital will host the Women’s and Men’s Challenge Cup finals on Saturday, June 8, in 2024 – reverting to an earlier slot in the restructured calendar under IMG.
The day will also include the fifth 1895 Cup final.
The final of rugby league’s oldest knockout competition returns to Wembley Stadium today, Saturday 12, after a year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Wigan Warriors defeated Huddersfield Giants 16-14.
Leigh Leopards take on Hull KR in the Men’s Challenge Cup 2023 final, while St Helens take on Leeds in the Women’s.
Batley Bulldogs also go head-to-head with Halifax Panthers in the 1895 Cup final as part of a triple-header rugby league day.
A two-year deal has been confirmed for Wembley Stadium for the 81st and 82nd Men’s finals in 2024 and 2025 – as well as the second and third Women’s finals.
Challenge Cup secures future at Wembley Stadium
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.”
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