The countdown to the 2026 Rugby League season is officially underway, with the draws for the first two rounds of the Betfred Challenge Cup set to be released on Monday, November 24 at 4pm.
The draws will see 34 community and amateur clubs compete in the First Round, with the 21 clubs from next season’s expanded Betfred Championship joining in the Second Round. Both rounds will be regionalised to foster local rivalries and reduce travel costs.
Following the successful new-look Third Round in 2025, the remainder of the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup will retain the same format. The Betfred Super League clubs will be seeded in the Third Round, guaranteeing away ties against the winners of the Second Round.
Key Dates
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First Round (Community clubs): Jan 10-11
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Second Round (Championship clubs enter): Jan 24-25
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Third Round (Super League clubs enter): Feb 7-8
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Fourth Round (Last 16): Mar 14-15
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Quarter Finals: Apr 11-12
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Semi Finals: May 10-11
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Final: May 30
First Round Draw
The First Round will feature 34 teams from across the UK and Ireland, including newcomers from Northern Ireland and Wales. Teams will be divided regionally as follows:
North West (12 teams – 6 ties): GB 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, RAF, 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, Telford Raiders
The First Round ties will kick off the season on the weekend of January 10-11, with 17 fixtures across the regions.
Second Round Draw
The Second Round will see the 17 First Round winners join 21 Betfred Championship clubs to create 19 ties, again with regionalisation where possible.
North West (8 teams): Barrow Raiders, Oldham, Rochdale Hornets, Salford Red Devils, Swinton Lions, Whitehaven, Widnes Vikings, Workington Town
Yorks / 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
The Second Round matches are scheduled for the weekend of January 24-25, paving the way for the Third Round and the entry of the Super League clubs.
The draws will be conducted at Rugby League Headquarters in Manchester, hosted by Ross Fiddes, and all details will be published on the official website at 4pm on November 24.
The 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup promises to be another thrilling season, with exciting local rivalries and the traditional magic of knockout rugby league returning to clubs and fans across the country.