Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final Line-Ups Confirmed, Wigan 2026

Key Points

• Wembley Finals Day has arrived for the 2026 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium
• Current holders Wigan Warriors are defending their title in an attempt to secure back-to-back trophies
• Record holders St Helens are competing to regain the Challenge Cup crown
• Kick-off is scheduled for 11:45am, less than an hour from the announcement
• The match is being broadcast live on BBC Two starting from 11:15am
• Wigan Warriors field 13 starters including Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, and captain Cerys Jones
• St Helens line-up features 13 starters including Jodie Cunningham, Paige Travis, and Zoe Harris
• Both teams have named four substitutes plus an 18th player for the final
• Wigan’s 18th player is Ruby Hunter; St Helens’ 18th player is Hollie Bawden
• This is the 14th final of the Rugby Football League’s Women’s Challenge Cup knock-out competition

 Wigan(Manchester Mirror)May 30, 2026 — Wembley Finals Day has officially arrived, and the starting line-ups for the 2026 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final have been confirmed in what promises to be a spectacular showdown between two of rugby league’s most successful women’s clubs. Current holders Wigan Warriors are looking to secure back-to-back trophies, whilst record holders St Helens are on the hunt to regain the title in front of a capacity crowd at London’s iconic stadium.

As reported by the official rugby-league.com coverage, both teams are now confirmed with their full starting XV plus substitutes, with kick-off scheduled for 11:45am — less than an hour away from the announcement time. The game will be shown live on BBC Two from 11:15am, allowing fans across the United Kingdom to witness this historic moment in women’s rugby league.

Which Players Start For Wigan Warriors In The Title Defence?

Wigan Warriors Women have named a strong 13-player starting lineup as they aim to become the third consecutive team to retain the Challenge Cup. The starting XV includes Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Beri Salihi, Ellise Derbyshire, Jenna Foubister, Isabel Rowe, Mary Coleman, Remi Wilton, Bethan Dainton, Eva Hunter, Cerys Jones, and Megan Williams.

Cerys Jones anchors the squad at half-back, while Georgia Wilson brings experience in the front row. The forwards pack includes Mary Coleman and Bethan Dainton, both known for their powerful running lines. In the backs, Grace Banks and Anna Davies provide pace and creativity on the wings, with Megan Williams operating at fullback to orchestrate the defensive structure.

Wigan’s four substitutes are Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Kelsey Gentles, and Lucie Sams, giving coach Denis Betts considerable depth off the bench. Ruby Hunter has been named as the 18th player, providing additional cover should injuries occur during the match.

As noted by BBC Sport, Denis Betts’ side comes into this final having completed a historic treble in 2025, becoming just the third Betfred Women’s Super League team to achieve this feat. The Warriors nearly finished the 2025 season undefeated, suffering only a single defeat by York Valkyrie, which denied them a perfect season.

Which Players Start For St Helens In Their Title Bid?

St Helens Women have countered with their own formidable lineup as the competition’s record holders seek to reclaim the Challenge Cup. The Saints’ starting XV comprises Rebecca Rotheram, Leah Burke, Amy Hardcastle, Rachael Woosey, Dani McGifford, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin, Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth, Caitlin Casey, Erin McDonald, Paige Travis, Emily, and Jodie Cunningham.

Jodie Cunningham, a seasoned campaigner, leads the attacking charge from the centres, while Paige Travis brings dynamic playmaking abilities at scrum-half. Zoe Harris and Dani McGifford provide stability in the halves, and Amy Hardcastle anchors the defence in the front row. Leah Burke and Rebecca Rotheram offer speed and agility on the edges.

The Saints’ substitutions include Vicky Whitfield, Katie Mottershead, Luci McColm, and Alyx Bridge, with Hollie Bawden named as the 18th player. This depth mirrors Wigan’s squad strength and suggests a tightly contested match where bench impact could prove decisive.

According to BBC Sport’s preview, this final represents a rematch of previous encounters between the two sides, with St Helens hoping to return to winning ways against the treble-winning Wigan side.

How Will This Final Impact The Women’s Rugby League Landscape?

The 2026 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final marks the 14th final in the Rugby Football League’s Women’s Challenge Cup knock-out competition, representing another milestone in the growing profile of women’s rugby league. Both Wigan and St Helens have dominated the competition in recent years, with St Helens holding the record for most titles and Wigan establishing themselves as the current powerhouse following their 2025 treble.

As reported by VIP Matchdays, the finalists for both the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cup Finals were confirmed earlier in May, building anticipation for Finals Day at Wembley. The men’s and women’s finals sharing the same day at Wembley demonstrates the increasing investment and visibility afforded to women’s rugby league at the highest level.

The match timing — with BBC Two broadcasting from 11:15am and kick-off at 11:45am — places the women’s final in a prime Saturday morning slot, ensuring maximum exposure for the sport. This scheduling decision reflects the Rugby Football League’s commitment to growing the women’s game and providing it with prominent platforming alongside the men’s competition.

Background Of The 2026 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Development

The 2026 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup represents the continuation of rugby league’s premier knockout competition for women’s teams. The competition has grown significantly since its inception, with the 2026 final marking the 14th edition of the tournament. The Rugby Football League has invested substantially in women’s rugby league over the past decade, establishing the Betfred Women’s Super League as a professional competition and creating pathway structures from grassroots to elite level.

Wigan Warriors entered the 2026 competition as reigning champions after their historic 2025 season, during which they became only the third team in Betfred Women’s Super League history to complete the treble — winning the Super League, Challenge Cup, and League Leader’s Shield in the same season. Their near-perfect 2025 campaign, with just one defeat against York Valkyrie, established them as favourites for the 2026 title defence.

St Helens, the competition’s record holders, have a storied history in women’s rugby league. Their quest to regain the Challenge Cup represents an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance in the women’s game. The Saints reached the final by defeating Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final, a match that saw them advance to Wembley for what would be their third Wembley appearance in the competition.

The decision to host both men’s and women’s finals on the same day at Wembley Stadium signals a significant moment for gender equality in rugby league. VIP Matchdays confirmed both finalists in May 2026, allowing fans to secure hospitality packages for Finals Day. BBC Two’s decision to broadcast the women’s final live from 11:15am provides unprecedented television coverage for the sport.

Prediction: How This Development Will Affect Women’s Rugby League Fans And Players

The 2026 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley will have significant implications for women’s rugby league fans, players, and the sport’s future development across the United Kingdom. For fans, particularly those in the North West where both Wigan and St Helens are based, this final represents a homecoming derby with local pride on the line. The live BBC Two broadcast means millions of viewers across the UK will witness elite women’s rugby league, potentially attracting new fans to the sport.

For current and aspiring women’s rugby league players, seeing two high-quality teams compete at Wembley provides tangible proof that professional pathways exist in the women’s game. The visibility of players like Cerys Jones, Jodie Cunningham, Georgia Wilson, and Paige Travis on national television demonstrates career possibilities that did not exist for previous generations. Young girls watching at home will see role models who have achieved the pinnacle of their sport at rugby league’s most famous venue.

The outcome of this final will shape the narrative of women’s rugby league dominance for the coming year. If Wigan secures back-to-back titles, they will cement their status as the sport’s premier club and strengthen their case for continued investment in their women’s programme. Should St Helens reclaim the trophy, it would signal a shifting balance of power and renewed competition at the elite level, which benefits the sport overall by preventing stagnation.

The financial and sponsorship implications extend beyond the two clubs. A successful, well-attended final with strong television ratings will demonstrate commercial viability to potential sponsors, encouraging further investment in women’s rugby league infrastructure, coaching, and development programmes. This investment flow will ultimately benefit grassroots clubs across the country, creating more opportunities for young players to access quality coaching and facilities.

For Denis Betts’ Wigan squad and the St Helens coaching team, this final represents career-defining moments. Success at Wembley enhances coaching credentials and player reputations, potentially opening doors to international representation and advanced coaching qualifications. The exposure also strengthens the case for increased player wages and professional contracts, advancing the professionalisation of the women’s game.

The match will also influence attendance trends for future women’s fixtures. If the Wembley final generates significant buzz, clubs may see increased gate receipts for regular-season women’s Super League matches, creating a virtuous cycle of growth where higher attendance justifies greater investment, which improves product quality, which attracts more fans. This development positions women’s rugby league for sustained growth throughout 2026 and beyond.