RFL admit "huge disappointment" with zero fans at Wembley as 2021 Challenge Cup final date is set

For the first time in the prestigious tournament's long history, there will be no fans at the showpiece finale in London on Saturday October 17.

This year's competition has already been blighted by Covid-19 but - with a pilot Super League fixtures including crowds of 1,000 planned for Wednesday - RFL officials had originally hoped to see some fans in Wembley.

Obviously, though, those pilot plans got scrapped last week following the Government's latest restrictions on public gatherings, meaning today's announcement was inevitable.

It will be another significant blow to the governing body's hopes of making some money this year having already seen England's three-Test home series with Australia cancelled.

But they have confirmed a date for next year's final - the 120th - with the Wembley showpiece set for July 17 2021.

Mark Foster, the RFL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “In what has been such a difficult year in so many ways, the confirmation that the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup Final will be played behind closed doors is a huge disappointment, after we had done everything in our power and received such committed support from everyone involved at Wembley in our efforts to allow some fans into the stadium.

“We hope the announcement of a firm date for the Challenge Cup Final next summer will provide some compensation for Rugby League supporters, with the hope of a return to something like normality, and brighter times ahead.

“All the reasons we were looking forward to a first Challenge Cup Final in July in 2020 will hopefully still apply in 2021.

“We have been delighted by the response to our recent announcement that the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup Final will be played at Wembley, with the players and officials of all four clubs in next weekend’s Semi Finals enthused by the prospect of a special occasion even in the absence of spectators.

“In such uncertain times, it is a real positive for the game that we are now able to maintain Rugby League’s special relationship with Wembley in both 2020 and 2021 – and we would like to place on record our thanks to all at Wembley Stadium connected by EE as well as everyone involved with our broadcast partners the BBC and our main commercial partners for the competition Coral, for their patience and flexibility in recent weeks.

“Given the impact of the latest announcements from Government regarding social distancing on both the professional and the community game, it is almost certain that there will be implications for the structure of next year’s Challenge Cup.

"Further announcements on that will be made whenever decisions have been made.”

Advance 2020 final ticket holders have been advised today that they can either claim a full refund, credit to another major Rugby League event in 2021 – or transfer their tickets to next year's showpiece.

Tickets will go on general sale in November.

This year's finalists will be decided on Saturday when Leeds Rhinos face Wigan Warriors (2.30pm) with live coverage on BBC One and holders Warrington Wolves tackle Salford Red Devils (5pm) live on BBC Two.

The final will also be televised live on BBC 1.