The 2026 Women’s Challenge Shield and Plate Finals will take place on Sunday 19 July, following the opening of the competition that began with 30 teams in late March.
The finals will take place at Edge Hall Road Community Stadium in Wigan.
- Women’s Challenge Plate Final (K.O. 12.30pm)
- Women’s Challenge Shield Final (K.O. 3.30pm)
After months of knockout Rugby League, the Challenge Shield is set for Warrington Wolves and Manchester Swinton Lionesses, while Oulton Raidettes and Bradford Bulls will meet for the Challenge Plate title.
Warrington Wolves vs Manchester Swinton Lionesses – Challenge Shield
Warrington Wolves have produced a series of dominant performances on their route to the Challenge Shield Final. They opened with a 58-0 win over Illingworth, battled past Wakefield Trinity 32-16, and then booked their place in the final with a convincing 48-0 semi-final victory over Workington Town.
Manchester Swinton Lionesses entered the competition later but quickly demonstrated why they are the reigning Challenge Shield winners. The Lionesses beat Sheffield Eagles 36-6 before an emphatic 58-4 semi-final win away at Hull KR secured a second successive final appearance.
The two teams currently sit first and third in the Women’s National Championship and have both delivered impressive displays across the competition, setting up a final between two of the best sides in the division.
During round seven of the Women’s National Championship the two sides clashed in a thrilling and close match-up, which left the final score at Manchester Swinton Lionesses 22 – 18 Warrington Wolves. The round seven result has ignited an exciting anticipation for what’s to come at the Challenge Shield Final; with the Lionesses aiming to retain their title, Warrington will be looking to stop them and claim silverware of their own.
Oulton Raidettes vs Bradford Bulls – Challenge Plate
Oulton Raidettes entered the Challenge Plate competition after a difficult first-round Shield draw against Hull KR . However, the Raidettes responded strongly and went on to defeat Dewsbury Moor 56-0 before edging past Wigan St Judes 20-16 to reach the final.
Bradford Bulls also entered the Plate following a narrow first-round Shield defeat, losing 22-18 to Stanningley. Since then, they have come through two competitive ties, beating Halifax Panthers 26-24 and Oldham RLFC 30-18 to secure their place in the final.
The two sides are closely matched in the Women’s National Championship currently and are yet to face each other in the league this season. The Plate Final will offer the first chance to see who comes out on top, before they meet again in league action on 9 August.
With two finals, four ambitious teams and silverware on the line, the 2026 Women’s Challenge Shield and Plate Finals are set to showcase the strength and depth of Women’s Rugby League beyond the elite tier of Women’s Super League.
Spectators are highly encouraged to attend and support for what promises to be an action-packed filled day of Rugby League.
Spectator Information
Parking: Both Hewitt Business Park and Winstanley College will be open for spectator parking on the day.
Admission and Spectators: There will be an entry fee of £5 for adults, £1 for children (under 18’s). Cash Only.
Both finals will be streamed live on the RFL YouTube Channel.
