The final round of the group stage of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup takes place this weekend (18/19 April).
The top two teams from each group will progress to the Quarter-Finals, taking place the following weekend on 25/26 April.
Kicking off the final round are Cardiff Demons and Featherstone Rovers, who meet at Cardiff University Sports Park on Saturday (KO 2pm).
The last time the two met was in a fierce battle for a spot in the 2025 Northern Championship Final. Rovers got the edge in that game and are excited to go to head-to-head again in what hopes to be another thrilling game:
“I’m excited, they always put up a good game,” said Featherstone Rovers’ Alyssa Courtney.
“That semi-final, we only just won. It’s exciting to go out there and challenge ourselves.
“We’ve all been working hard in training over the pre-season, but then especially since the Wigan game because we knew this game was going to be such a big one and we know we can win it.”
Courtney, who started playing Rugby League after she joined her local Rugby club’s under 14s team, has big ambitions for the season ahead:
“Last time we were in the Super League, it didn’t go the best. We want to prove that we’re good enough to be in the League and show what we’re about.
“I don’t think we managed to do that last time, so now it’s about righting them wrongs and really pushing to challenge ourselves against the top teams and win the games that we know we can.”
Also hoping to prove they’ve got what it takes to make it to the Quarter-Finals are Catalans Dragons, who made their Challenge Cup debut last weekend against Huddersfield Giants.
On Sunday they take on the mighty St Helens, the cup’s most successful side, in what promises to be a high stakes battle (KO 12pm).
The Dragons put up a strong fight against the Giants in their first game, leading 4-16 going into the second half. But Huddersfield came out swinging after the break and Catalans could not keep grasp of their lead, finishing the game 24-22.
This weekend, they’re hoping they can get themselves back in Quarter Final contention with a win against the Saints.
The final game of the weekend sees Leeds Rhinos take on London Broncos (KO 2pm).
Both teams have secured a spot in the Quarters and are now battling for that all important home advantage as they take their next step in the cup.
The Rhinos are looking for their third Challenge Cup after making it to the final five times, the last being in 2024, whilst the Broncos are vying to make it past the Quarter-Finals, after finishing as League Leaders in the 2025 Northern Championship - their inaugural season.
Betfred Women's Challenge Cup key dates:
Quarter-Finals – April 25/26
Semi-Finals – May 9/10
Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final – May 30
It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here!
