Challenge Cup Third Round Draw Unveils Exciting Fixtures for 2026 Competition
Introduction: A Pivotal Moment for Rugby League’s Oldest Competition
The third round draw for the 2026 Challenge Cup was made on 12 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in rugby league’s most prestigious knockout tournament. The 2026 Challenge Cup, known for sponsorship reasons as the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup, is the 125th staging of the Challenge Cup, and this year’s third round represents the moment when the fourteen Betfred Super League clubs enter the competition in the Third Round, with a seeded draw that guarantees an away tie to one of the Second Round winning teams. This format change, designed to give lower-league clubs home advantage, has generated considerable excitement amongst fans and presents opportunities for potential giant-killing encounters.
Key Details from the Draw
The draw took place at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield as part of the 2026 Betfred Championship Season launch, with two-time Challenge Cup winner John Kear joining broadcaster Ross Fiddes to conduct the draw. The 16 third-round ties are set to take place across the weekend of February 6-8 – a week before the 2026 Super League season gets underway.
Notable fixtures include Hull KR beginning their 2026 Challenge Cup title defence away to the winners of Brighouse Rangers or Lock Lane, whilst beaten 2025 finalists Warrington Wolves will take on either Championship sides Sheffield Eagles or Whitehaven, while 21-time winners Wigan Warriors could face Siddal, Waterhead or Rochdale Hornets. Leigh Leopards have been drawn away to North Wales Crusaders or Bedford Tigers, and Rochdale Hornets are in line to face Wigan Warriors at the Crown Oil Arena if they progress.
Format and Significance for the Competition
All Super League sides are seeded away from home with just 13 Super League clubs entering the competition. Toulouse Olympique do not compete in the Challenge Cup. The seeded draw ensures that community and Championship clubs receive the financial and sporting benefits of hosting top-tier opposition, whilst providing Super League teams with challenging away fixtures to begin their campaigns.
One unique circumstance affecting this year’s draw is that Featherstone Rovers were excluded from the competition due to ongoing financial difficulties at the club, meaning Brighouse or Lock Lane will be given a bye through to the third round. This creates an intriguing scenario where current holders Hull KR could face a community club in what promises to be a captivating David versus Goliath encounter.
Conclusion: A Week of Cup Magic Awaits
The Challenge Cup third round draw has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of rugby league action in early February. With all Super League clubs facing challenging away fixtures against hungry lower-league opposition, the potential for upsets and memorable moments is substantial. For community clubs, this represents an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition and potentially secure famous victories that will be remembered for generations.
The matches, scheduled for the weekend of February 6-8, will launch the competitive season for Super League clubs and provide fans across the country with compelling rugby league action. The competition will culminate with Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026, with every club now dreaming of reaching rugby league’s most famous occasion. As the historic competition enters its 125th year, the third round draw has once again demonstrated why the Challenge Cup remains one of sport’s most cherished knockout tournaments.