Wembley to stage Challenge Cup showpiece - but Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors semi-final will be behind closed doors

Next month's Coral Challenge Cup final will be played at Wembley, the Rugby Football League have confirmed.

The RFL today - Tuesday, September 22 - also announced the semi-finals, including Leeds Rhinos against Wigan Warriors - will be played behind closed doors at St Helens' TW Stadium on Saturday, October 3.

The announcement came on the day the government said it is unlikely to go ahead with plans to allow spectators back into stadiums from the start of October, because of the rise in coronavirus cases.

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Salford Red Devils will meet Warrington Wolves in the other semi-final.

Rhinos celebrate at Wembley in 2015. Picture by Steve Riding.Rhinos celebrate at Wembley in 2015. Picture by Steve Riding.
Rhinos celebrate at Wembley in 2015. Picture by Steve Riding.

The final will be broadcast live on BBC One, and both semi-finals will also be shown live on the BBC.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Coral Challenge Cup final in our 125th anniversary year will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, October 17.

“2020 has been a tough year for all, for obvious reasons, but it is also a special one for the sport of rugby league – and we have therefore remained determined to do everything possible to ensure a day of celebration as well as reflection at Wembley.

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“The fact this will be the 78th Challenge Cup final at Wembley since the original, visionary decision to take the final south in 1929 underlines the strength of the relationship between the national stadium and the sport of rugby league."

He added: “The players of the four clubs who have reached the semi-finals now know what is at stake.

"It has remained the fervent wish of the RFL that supporters of the two teams who reach the final would be able to join them there, as well as the thousands who bought tickets for Wembley before lockdown.

“However we recognise that public health must remain the priority and these decisions may be taken out of our hands.

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"We have already made the decision to stage the semi-finals behind closed doors – and the draw has produced two intriguing ties for BBC coverage on October 3.”

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