Wigan Warriors' Challenge Cup date confirmed

Details of Wigan's first Challenge Cup game of the year have been confirmed.
Thomas LeuluaiThomas Leuluai
Thomas Leuluai

The Warriors will enter the competition at the quarter final stage on September 19 - two weeks tomorrow - as part of a BBC-televised double header at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford.

They will face the winners of next Sunday's sixth round tie between Castleford and Hull FC.

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The quarter finals will be split into two double-headers later this month, with all four matches broadcast live.

The BBC’s selected ties – the rematch of last year’s Final between Warrington Wolves and St Helens, followed by Wigan's tie – will be played at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday September 19. That follows a Friday night double header at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens on September 18, with all the action live by Sky Sports – Catalans Dragons-Salford Red Devils, followed by Leeds Rhinos-Hull KR.

The Totally Wicked Stadium will also host the Castleford-Hull FC tie next Sunday, September 13 (3pm kick-off, BBC1), after the original fixture was postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak at FC.

All five of the above matches will be played behind closed doors because of Government restrictions.

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Mark Foster, the RFL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It’s a great result for the game to be able to confirm that all eight of the remaining ties in the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup will be televised live across the BBC and Sky Sports.

“With all games remaining behind closed doors in September, we have worked with our broadcast partners to deliver double headers at two facilities which have already staged successful events in recent weeks – the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens, and the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford.

“That means clubs giving up home advantage – but given the exceptional circumstances of this year’s competition, which has already required a re-draw, we have asked the players, coaches and supporters of those clubs to support us in the need to work flexibly for the wider good of the game.

“We will shortly be confirming details of the semi finals on Saturday October 3, and the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup Final on Saturday October 17 – another opportunity for Rugby League to celebrate given the unique challenges of the sport’s 125th anniversary year.”

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Wigan were due to play Warrington in the sixth round of the Cup but it was redrawn after Toronto's withdrawal.

Coral Challenge Cup, remaining rounds:

Sixth Round

Sunday, September 13: Castleford Tigers v Hull FC (3pm, BBC1, St Helens)

Quarter Finals

Friday, September 18: Catalans Dragons v Salford Red Devils (6pm), Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR (8.15pm, Sky Sports, St Helens)

Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves v St Helens (2.30pm), Castleford Tigers or Hull FC v Wigan Warriors (5pm, live on BBC2, Salford)