The Challenge Cup is a knockout competition for British Rugby League clubs that has been held since 1896. In recent years the entry has been expanded to allow French and Russian teams to take part.

History

The clubs that formed the Northern Union had long been playing in local knockout cup competitions under the auspices of the Rugby Football Union. However, the rugby union authorities refused to sanction a nationwide tournament, fearing that this would inevitably lead to professionalism. After the schism of 1895, the northern clubs were free to go-ahead, and they instigated the Northern Rugby Football Union Challenge Cup.

The first competition was held during the 1896-95 season (the second season of the new game), and 56 clubs entered to compete for the £60 trophy. The first final was held at Headingley in Leeds, on the 24th April 1897. Batley defeated St Helens 10-3 in front of a crowd of 13,492 (see picture). It is interesting to note that the St Helens side did not play in a standardised team jersey.

Initially, the final tie was held at one of the larger club grounds in the north, however, in 1927 the decision was made to relocate to the new Wembley Stadium in London.

In recent years the redevelopment of Wembley has led to the Cup Final utilising a variety of venues. The final is one of the biggest rugby league events of the year in Britain, along with the Super League Grand Final.

The Challenge Cup final traditionally formed the end to the season, being played in late April or early May. The move to a summer season for rugby league in 1996 did not see the Challenge Cup moved, and it became instead essentially a pre-season tournament, with the final taking place early in the season. Many people felt that this lead to a decline in the prestige of the cup. From 2005, it has been announced that the Challenge Cup will be rescheduled, with the 2005 final due to be held on Saturday 27th August at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Structure

The modern Challenge Cup has 7 rounds prior to the final. Teams are seeded, entering at different stages. The precise format has altered slightly from year to year, however the basic format is as follows:

• First round: Amateur teams from all the nations of the British Isles. Most of the teams are English and affiliated to BARLA.

• Second round: No new team enter the competition at this stage

• Third round: Two Russian teams, four French sides, and semi-professional British clubs from the Rugby League National Leagues enter the draw.

• Fourth round: The twelve Super League teams join the competition

• Fifth round: Last 16

• Quarter Finals: Last eight

• Semi Finals: (played at neutral venues)

• Final

List of finals

Note that in the years immediately following the Second World War the final was played over two legs, with the aggregate score being used.

External links

• results and tables from totalrl.com