Cup Final to be shown in HD

The Carnegie Challenge Cup final, Rugby League’s oldest and most prestigious knockout competition, will be broadcast live for the first time in high definition on the BBC HD channel (Saturday August 28, kick off 2:30pm, BBC HD & BBC One).

Carnegie Challenge Cup holders Warrington Wolves will take on Engage Super League champions Leeds Rhinos in the Wembley showpiece final with the match being simulcast live on BBC One, BBC HD and streamed live on the BBC Sport website.

Clare Balding will present BBC’s TV coverage alongside studio guests Brian Noble and Justin Morgan, with in-game commentary coming from Dave Woods and Jonathan Davies. The pitchside reporting team will include Tanya Arnold, Damien Johnson and Robbie Paul.

“The Challenge Cup final between Leeds and Warrington will be an epic contest featuring two giants of the game and with the final being shown live in HD for the first time on the BBC, viewers around the country will be able to see Rugby League in its finest glory,” said BBC Sport Editor, Carl Hicks.

“The Challenge Cup final is one of the crown jewels in the BBC Sport schedule and we will be covering the match comprehensively across all of our platforms with over a million fans tuning in to one of sports must see events in the calendar.”

Pre-match coverage of the Cup final will start at 1:30pm via the Red Button with the full programme coming live from Wembley at 2:10pm on BBC One and BBC HD. Post-match will see the popular Rugby League forum being aired for 30 minutes via the red button.

BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra will also carry extensive coverage from the final, including live commentary from Wembley and a full Challenge Cup final preview broadcast live on 5 live on Friday August 27 from 7pm.