Halifax open up title defence in France

Halifax will begin the defence of their Championship crown with a tricky away tie against Toulouse.

The new season opens on Thursday March 10 when Grand Finalists Featherstone travel to Leigh for a mouth-watering televised clash.

Promoted pair Hunslet and York also face off on the first weekend, with new Widnes coach Denis Betts taking his troops to Sheffield for their first league game.

Garry Schofield will be made to wait until March 19th for his first league game as Barrow boss after they were drawn with a bye.

The Northern Rail Cup kicks off on February 6th, with each side playing four group games.

Key dates for 2011:
February 5-6 – Northern Rail Cup kicks off.
February 27 – World Club Challenge.
March 5-6 – Carnegie Challenge Cup 3rd round.
March 13 – Co-operative Championships start.
April 10 – Northern Rail Cup quarter-finals.
May 7-8 – Carnegie Challenge Cup 4th round.
May 21-22 – Carnegie Challenge Cup 5th round.
June 12 – England mid-season international.
June 19 – Northern Rail Cup semi-finals.
July 17 – Northern Rail Cup final.
July 23-24 – Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
August 6-7 – Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals.
August 28 – Carnegie Challenge Cup final.
September 11 – Co-operative Championships play-offs start.
October 2 – Co-operative Championships Finals Day.
October 23 – Four Nations starts.
November 12 – Four Nations final.

The full fixtures listing will be added to the new Love Rugby League site and all the corresponding club pages in the next few weeks.