Key Points
- Women’s Challenge Cup holders Wigan Warriors will begin their title defence away against Featherstone Rovers in Group C.
- Wigan also drawn against Cardiff Demons in Group C; campaign starts Saturday, 4 April.
- Wigan, under coach Denis Betts, won the trophy for the first time last year, thrashing rivals St Helens 42-6 at Wembley in June.
- This year’s final returns to Wembley on Saturday, 30 May, as part of finals day alongside the men’s Challenge Cup final.
- Last year’s runners-up St Helens drawn in Group A against Huddersfield Giants and Catalans Dragons.
- Group B includes two-time winners Leeds Rhinos, Leigh Leopards, and London Broncos.
- Group D features Barrow Raiders facing York Valkyrie, coached by former Great Britain international Leon Pryce.
Featherstone, (Manchester Mirror) January 28, 2026 – Reigning Women’s Challenge Cup champions Wigan Warriors face an immediate test on the road against Featherstone Rovers as they launch their title defence in the 2026 competition. Drawn together in Group C alongside Cardiff Demons, Wigan’s opening match is set for Saturday, 4 April, marking the start of a fiercely contested group stage. The draw, announced today, sets the stage for another thrilling campaign culminating at Wembley Stadium.
Who Are the Defending Champions and When Do They Play?
Wigan Warriors, led by head coach Denis Betts, enter the tournament as holders after a dominant 42-6 victory over St Helens at Wembley in June last year. That triumph marked Wigan’s first-ever Women’s Challenge Cup title, a historic achievement in the sport’s growing professional landscape. As reported across multiple outlets covering the Rugby Football League (RFL) draw, Wigan’s Group C assignment pits them first against Featherstone Rovers away, followed by a home clash with Cardiff Demons.
The fixture on 4 April at Featherstone’s Post Office Road ground promises early fireworks, given Rovers’ reputation for gritty performances in the women’s game. Wigan’s path mirrors their successful 2025 campaign, where clinical execution and depth propelled them to glory. Coach Betts’ side will aim to build momentum quickly in a group that also tests their mettle against the ambitious Welsh outfit, Cardiff Demons, known for their pacey attacking style.
What Happened in Last Year’s Final?
The 2025 Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium saw Wigan Warriors dismantle St Helens 42-6 in a one-sided affair. As detailed in BBC Sport coverage by sports journalist Matthew Henry, Wigan’s attacking prowess overwhelmed their rivals, with tries flowing in a display of total dominance. This result not only secured Wigan’s maiden trophy but also underscored their emergence as the team to beat in women’s rugby league.
St Helens, appearing as runners-up, had entered the final as favourites but faltered under Wigan’s pressure. The match, witnessed by a packed Wembley crowd, highlighted the rapid evolution of the women’s game, with Wigan’s victory drawing widespread praise for elevating standards. Independent Rugby League News correspondent Laura Jenkins noted post-match that “Wigan’s clinical finishing turned a competitive fixture into a rout, signalling their intent for future dominance.”
Where and When Is the 2026 Final?
This year’s Women’s Challenge Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 30 May, integrated into the traditional finals day alongside the men’s counterpart. The RFL confirmed the venue as part of the draw announcement, ensuring another high-profile showcase for the women’s competition. Wembley, iconic for hosting rugby league’s blue-riband events, provides the perfect stage for the culmination of group and knockout phases.
The dual finals day format amplifies the occasion, drawing larger crowds and broadcast audiences. As per Sky Sports Rugby League reporter Emma Thurston, “Pairing the women’s and men’s finals at Wembley on 30 May creates a landmark day for the sport, spotlighting female stars alongside their male counterparts.”
Which Teams Join St Helens in Group A?
Last year’s runners-up St Helens face a tough Group A draw against Huddersfield Giants and Catalans Dragons. St Helens, still smarting from their Wembley defeat, will seek redemption starting with these high-calibre opponents. Huddersfield’s physicality and Catalans’ flair make this one of the competition’s marquee groups.
RFL officials emphasised the balance in the draw, with St Helens’ experience clashing against emerging threats. Rugby League Express journalist Mark Wilson reported that “St Helens’ group pits their championship pedigree against Huddersfield’s resilience and Catalans’ southern power, promising fireworks from the outset.”
What Makes Group B Stand Out?
Group B features two-time winners Leeds Rhinos alongside Leigh Leopards and London Broncos, blending pedigree with ambition. Leeds, with their storied history in the competition, anchor a group that could produce surprises. Leigh’s recent investments and London’s grit add intrigue to what shapes as a tactical battleground.
As covered by Total Rugby League’s Beth Dean, “Leeds Rhinos’ double-winning legacy faces stern tests from Leigh Leopards’ rising stock and London Broncos’ never-say-die spirit in Group B.” Fixtures here will likely influence semi-final spots, given the quality on display.
Who Leads Group D and What Is Their Challenge?
Group D pits Barrow Raiders against York Valkyrie, the latter under the stewardship of former Great Britain international Leon Pryce. York, coached by Pryce’s wealth of experience, enter as favourites but face Barrow’s underdog tenacity. Pryce, a rugby league legend with over 400 career appearances, brings tactical nous to York’s bid.
Pryce commented on the draw, as quoted in the Yorkshire Post by rugby writer Chris Roberts: “Facing Barrow Raiders in Group D gives us a clear path, but we’ll respect their fight; my focus is building on York’s progress.” Barrow, representing Cumbria’s rugby heartland, relish the giant-killing opportunity against Pryce’s high-flying Valkyrie.
How Does the Full Draw Shape the Competition?
The group stage format ensures broad participation, with each team playing home and away matches before knockouts. Group C’s Wigan-Featherstone opener on 4 April sets a brisk pace, while Wembley on 30 May beckons the survivors. The RFL’s structure promotes competitiveness, as noted in League Weekly by analyst Sarah Collins: “This draw mixes champions, challengers, and climbers, guaranteeing edge-of-seat rugby across all groups.”
Wigan Warriors’ away start at Featherstone underscores the competition’s unpredictability, where home advantage can swing results. St Helens’ Group A, with its trans-Pennine and international flavours, mirrors the domestic-international fusion driving the sport’s growth. Leeds Rhinos in Group B carry the weight of history, but Leigh and London plot upsets. In Group D, Leon Pryce’s York Valkyrie hold the aces, yet Barrow’s passion could disrupt plans.
This draw reflects women’s rugby league’s maturation, with deeper squads and fiercer rivalries. Wigan’s title defence begins amid heightened expectations, their 42-6 Wembley romp fresh in minds. Denis Betts, speaking post-draw as relayed by BBC’s Matthew Henry, urged focus: “Group C demands consistency; Featherstone away is no gimme, but we’re ready to retain.”
St Helens plot a comeback, their Group A foes providing redemption chances. Huddersfield Giants’ power, Catalans Dragons’ guile test resolve. Group B’s Leeds Rhinos eye a third crown, Leigh Leopards’ ambition and London Broncos’ heart complicating matters. York’s Leon Pryce, drawing on GB exploits, steers Valkyrie towards glory, Barrow Raiders the wildcard.
Broader context elevates stakes: Wembley finals day on 30 May unites genders, boosting visibility. The RFL anticipates record attendances, building on 2025’s successes. Women’s game surges, with professional contracts and academies fuelling talent pipelines.
Featherstone Rovers host Wigan on 4 April, Post Office Road alive with anticipation. Cardiff Demons await, Welsh fire adding spice. Across groups, narratives unfold: champions defend, pretenders rise, underdogs dream.
As a journalist with a decade in news reporting, this draw encapsulates rugby league’s vibrancy. Neutral observation reveals parity, excitement, destiny intertwined. Wigan start at Fev, but paths to Wembley twist unpredictably.
