The 2026 rugby league season is set to kick off with the draws for the first two rounds of the Betfred Challenge Cup. These draws will take place on Monday, November 24, at 4 PM, unveiling matchups for both community teams and championship clubs.
First Round Draw Details
The first round will feature 34 clubs and community teams. Matches are scheduled for January 10-11, 2026. The draw includes a diverse regional representation with various leagues contributing teams.
Teams Participating in the First Round
- North West (12 teams, 6 ties):
- Great Britain Police
- Seaton Rangers
- Orrell St James
- Haresfinch
- Blackbrook
- Siddal
- Waterhead
- Thatto Heath Crusaders
- Rochdale Mayfield
- Leigh Miners Rangers
- Wigan St Judes
- Ince Rose Bridge
- Yorkshire (12 teams, 6 ties):
- Woodhouse
- Brighouse Rangers
- Royal Air Force
- King Cross Park
- Mirfield Spartans
- Stanningley Rangers
- West Hull
- Hunslet ARLFC
- York Acorn
- Lock Lane
- Dewsbury Moor
- Heworth
- National (10 teams, 5 ties):
- Broncos (Northern Ireland)
- Aberavon Fighting Irish (Wales)
- Bedford Tigers
- Hammersmith Hills Hoists
- London Chargers
- Wests Warriors (Southern Conference League)
- British Army
- Royal Navy
- Medway Dragons (London ARL)
- Telford Raiders (Midlands)
Second Round Draw Overview
The second round will feature a blend of 17 winners from the first round and 21 clubs from the Betfred Championship. Matches are expected to take place on January 24-25, 2026, maintaining a regionalized format to enhance local rivalries.
Teams in the Second Round Draw
- North West (8 teams):
- Barrow Raiders
- Oldham
- Rochdale Hornets
- Salford Red Devils
- Swinton Lions
- Whitehaven
- Widnes Vikings
- Workington Town
- Yorkshire / North East (10 teams):
- Batley Bulldogs
- Dewsbury Rams
- Doncaster
- Featherstone Rovers
- Goole Vikings
- Halifax Panthers
- Hunslet
- Keighley Cougars
- Newcastle Thunder
- Sheffield Eagles
- National (3 teams):
- London Broncos
- Midlands Hurricanes
- North Wales Crusaders
Key Dates for the Betfred Challenge Cup 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Round Draw | November 24, 2025 (4 PM) |
| First Round Matches | January 10-11, 2026 |
| Second Round Matches | January 24-25, 2026 |
| Third Round Matches | February 7-8, 2026 |
| Fourth Round Matches | March 14-15, 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | April 11-12, 2026 |
| Semi-finals | May 10-11, 2026 |
| Final | May 30, 2026 |
The upcoming Betfred Challenge Cup promises exciting matchups among teams, strengthening community bonds and showcasing talent across the regions. Fans eagerly await the draws and the subsequent competitions.
