Fixtures for the group stage of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup can be confirmed today (28 January) as title holders Wigan Warriors begin their 2026 campaign in a battle against newly promoted Featherstone Rovers on Saturday April 4.
Both teams were placed into Group C alongside Cardiff Demons during an in person draw earlier this month, with the Demons facing the current champions at Edge Hall Road Community Stadium in the second week of fixtures (April 11).
The opening matches in group A will see the most successful side in the history of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup, St Helens, make the journey to Laund Hill Community Club where they will be hosted by Huddersfield Giants. Catalans Dragons make the same journey the following weekend, marking their first ever Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup game (April 12).
Two-time Challenge Cup winners Leeds Rhinos will face Leigh Leopards away in what will be the Leopards’ second season competing in the Betfred Women’s Super League (April 4). They will compete in Group B alongside London Broncos, who finished League Leaders in the Northern Championship in 2025 – their inaugural season in the league.
In Group D, York Valkyrie will host Barrow Raiders in their first competitive game under new Head Coach Leon Pryce. The two form the whole of Group D and will both progress to the quarter finals on April 25, alongside the top 2 teams from each group, the winners of which will earn home advantage.
Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Group Stage fixtures:
Group A
Sunday 5 April
Huddersfield Giants v St Helens
Sunday 12 April
Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons
Sunday 19 April
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
Group B
Saturday 4 April
Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos
Sunday 12 April
London Broncos v Leigh Leopards
Sunday 19 April
Leeds Rhinos v London Broncos
Group C
Saturday 4 April
Featherstone Rovers v Wigan Warriors
Saturday 11 April
Wigan Warriors v Cardiff Demons
Saturday 18 April
Cardiff Demons v Featherstone Rovers
Group D
Saturday 11 April
York Valkyrie v Barrow Raiders
It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here today and enjoy our early bird prices!
