The final of rugby league’s Challenge Cup will remain at Wembley Stadium for the next two years, with the 2024 event to revert to an earlier slot in the calendar.
Next year will see the men’s and women’s finals take place on June 8. The announcement was made on Saturday ahead of this year’s finals at Wembley.
Saturday saw Leigh Leopards edge out Hull KR 17-16 to secure the men’s Challenge Cup, while St Helens defeated Leeds Rhinos 22-8 to claim the women’s title. It marked the first time the women’s match had been staged at Wembley.
The 2022 men’s final was held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the earlier calendar slot of May. It marked the first time since 2004 that the final had been held in May.
Commenting on the new two-year deal with Wembley, Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial, said: “We are pleased to be able to confirm that Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day will be played at Wembley Stadium in each of the next two years and will be returning to an earlier position in the season in June.
“This fits with the reimagining of rugby league through the sport’s long-term partnership with IMG, as we work towards a restructured calendar, and also maintain the double header of men’s and women’s Challenge Cup finals given the growth potential of the women’s and girls’ game.”
Paul Smyth, head of operations at Wembley, added: “We are delighted to host rugby league’s Challenge Cup finals day here at Wembley Stadium for another two years. Challenge Cup final day is always one of the great days in the calendar and we are proud to have hosted it here at Wembley since 1929. We look forward to putting on more world-class finals over the next few years.”
