Welsh side go on road to Wembley

Blackwood Bulldogs start their road to Wembley this Sunday when they host Edge Hill University from Liverpool in the first round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup (kick-off 2pm).

The Bulldogs qualified for this competition thanks to their impressive 38-22 Welsh Grand Final win over Bridgend Blue Bulls last August.

It will be their first foray into rugby league’s most famous knockout tournament but they join a long line of Welsh names to have competed in previous competitions.

Blackwood coach Alex Borghese said: “We’ve got a strong squad out, one I believe that is our strongest in a year. We won the Grand Final last year but had a few players out injured or carrying injuries. Now we’re fit and ready to go.

“We’re really pleased to be involved in such a tournament and we’re looking forward to it. It’s our first time in the Challenge Cup, we’re the only Welsh club in the early rounds and it’s exciting to get a home tie. We’ve not had much rugby at the ground for some time due to the weather so everyone’s ready to watch a bit of rugby league.

“Things are going from strength to strength for rugby league in Blackwood. The talent here in Wales is incredible and the interest for rugby league in Blackwood is growing all the time. Our Grand Final win last year really sparked an interest and we’ll have competitive teams at all age levels this year.”

The Crusaders enter the Carnegie Challenge Cup in Round Four.