The Women’s Challenge Shield competition will return in 2026 which will see teams across the Women’s League from the National Championship, Northern Leagues 1, 2 and 3 compete for glory ahead of the regular league season.
Inaugurally introduced in 2025, the Women’s Challenge Shield competition will run alongside the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup, offering the community game teams fresh opportunities to compete for silverware.
National Championship teams Cardiff Demons and London Broncos will be excluded from Challenge Shield competitions and instead will compete in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup.
Round 1 of the Challenge Shield competition will welcome 30 teams from all divisions. Successful teams from the first round will progress to the second round, whilst losing teams will be entered into a supplementary Challenge Plate competition.
Round 1 Draw: Sunday 22nd March
Batley ARLFC vs Dewsbury Moor
Rochdale Mayfield vs Rochdale Hornets
Manchester Swinton Lionesses vs BYE
Wakefield Trinity vs North Wales Crusaders
Oldham RLFC vs Widnes Vikings
Bradford Bulls vs Stanningley
Wigan St Judes vs Hull FC
Salford RLFC vs Wigan St Patricks
Thatto Heath Crusaders vs Sheffield Eagles
Oulton Raidettes vs Hull KR
Fryston Warriors vs Warrington Wolves
Workington Town vs Bronte Barbarians
Keighley Cougars vs Crosfields ARLFC
BYE vs Illingworth
Castleford Tigers vs York Acorn
Leigh Miners Rangers vs Halifax Panthers
With plenty of exciting matchups in the first round, keep your eyes peeled for the results!
Challenge Shield competition key dates:
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Challenge Shield Round 1 – 22nd March
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Challenge Shield Round 2 and Challenge Plate Round 1 – 29th March
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Quarterfinals – 12th April
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Semi Finals – 21st June
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Finals – 19th July
Event venue’s will be shared shortly.
