2026 Betfred Challenge Cup Draws Revealed as Community Clubs Kick Off New Campaign
The road to Wembley for the 2026 Challenge Cup officially began this week, with the Rugby Football League confirming the draws for Rounds One and Two.
The draw was conducted by two 2025 Wembley winners – Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors) and James Batchelor (Hull KR) – adding prestige to the launch of the new season’s competition.
Community Game Leads the Way
A total of 34 community clubs will compete in the First Round, continuing the Challenge Cup’s historic grassroots pathway.
- 17 First Round matches
- To be played January 10–11
The 21 Championship clubs enter in Round Two, creating 19 ties scheduled for:
- January 24–25
As in 2025, the format remains unchanged, with:
- Super League clubs entering in the Third Round
- All Super League sides seeded and guaranteed an away tie
Round One Draw (Jan 10–11)
Orrell St James v Haresfinch
Wigan St Judes v Leigh Miners Rangers
Rochdale Mayfield v Ince Rose Bridge
Blackbrook v GB Police
Thatto Heath Crusaders v Seaton Rangers
Siddal v Waterhead
Stanningley v Dewsbury Moor
Kings Cross Park v West Hull
Hunslet ARLFC v York Acorn
Heworth v RAF
Brighouse Rangers v Lock Lane
Woodhouse Warriors v Mirfield Spartans
Bedford Tigers v Medway Dragons
British Army v Wests Warriors
Banbridge Broncos (Northern Ireland) v Aberavon Fighting Irish
Telford Raiders v London Chargers
Royal Navy v Hammersmith Hills Hoists
Round Two Draw (Jan 24–25)
Oldham v Orrell St James/Haresfinch
Wigan St Judes or Leigh Miners Rangers v Barrow Raiders
Rochdale Mayfield or Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
Blackbrook or GB Police v Workington Town
Thatto Heath Crusaders or Seaton Rangers v Widnes Vikings
Siddal or Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets
Stanningley or Dewsbury Moor v Hunslet
Dewsbury Rams v Kings Cross Park or West Hull
Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC or York Acorn
Heworth or RAF v Keighley Cougars
Brighouse Rangers or Lock Lane v Featherstone Rovers
Woodhouse Warriors or Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers or Medway Dragons
London Broncos v British Army or Wests Warriors
Midlands Hurricanes v Banbridge Broncos or Aberavon Fighting Irish
Halifax Panthers v Telford Raiders or London Chargers
Royal Navy or Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford Red Devils
Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven
Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
Super League Entry and Format
The Third Round (February 6–8) will introduce Betfred Super League clubs, who will once again be seeded to face remaining community or Championship teams away from home — a format praised for boosting exposure and competitiveness for lower-tier sides.
⚠️ Toulouse Olympique have again withdrawn from the tournament, despite promotion.
Challenge Cup 2026 Key Dates
- First Round Draw: Monday November 24
- First Round (Community): January 10–11
- Second Round (Championship): January 24–25
- Third Round (Super League): February 6–8
- Fourth Round (Last 16): March 14–15
- Quarter Finals: April 11–12
- Semi Finals: May 9–10
- Final: Saturday May 30 – Wembley Stadium
With the first ball already drawn and grassroots clubs preparing for their moment on the national stage, anticipation is already building for another dramatic Betfred Challenge Cup campaign, culminating at Wembley Stadium in late May.
