Ahead of the draw for Round 1 of the 2022 Betfred Challenge Cup, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday 14 December live on BBC Sport, we're taking a look at all the Community and Representative teams involved in the draw.
Here is a look at the final five teams entering in Round 1:
Upton
A mainstay in the Pennine ARL First Division, the West Yorkshire outfit will be making their second entry into the Challenge Cup in January. They made their Challenge Cup debut one to remember in 2020, after a dominant 30-4 victory over Jarrow Vikings. Their run came to an end in the Second Round – something they will most definitely be looking to put right in 2022.
West Hull
Founded in 1961, 25 years of amateur success saw West Hull become one of the founding members of the NCL in 1986 – they’re a mainstay in the Premier Division nowadays, with multiple titles to their name. The East Yorkshire outfit became the first amateur club to defeat two professional sides in the same year in 1996 when they reached the Fifth Round – this was followed by NCL dominance, as the club won five consecutive titles between 1997 and 2002. West Hull’s most recent Challenge Cup campaigns saw them reach the Third Round in both 2019 & 2020.
Wests Warriors
The London club were formed in 2014, and have already tasted success at amateur level – they recently capped off an incredible 2021 by claiming the Southern Conference League title, after going unbeaten the entire season. They reached the Third Round of the Challenge Cup in 2017, and the club from the capital will no doubt take confidence from their title win ahead of their forthcoming Challenge Cup campaign.
Wigan St Patricks
Founded in 1910, their 111-year history is filled with success and achievements. Their prestigious youth setup consistently produces players that compete at an elite level, with current Super League stars Sam Tomkins, Tom Davies, and Liam Farrell just three of many. They’re one of only two amateur sides to have never been relegated from the NCL’s top division since it’s inception in 1986. They are Challenge Cup regulars nowadays, and made history in 2017 when their First Round fixture against Leigh Miners Rangers was broadcast live on the BBC Sport website – the opening round of the Challenge Cup had never been broadcast live before then.
York Acorn
A staple in York’s amateur rugby league scene, Acorn represent the city in the National Conference League. They’ve amassed plenty of Challenge Cup experience, too. Regulars in the competition, their impressive 2020 cup campaign saw them reach the Third Round, where professional outfit Rochdale Hornets eventually had too much for them. They’re more than familiar with Challenge Cup opening rounds now, so will be hoping their experience in the competition can give them the edge come January.
You can purchase tickets for the 2022 Betfred Challenge Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 28 May here.
