Challenge Cup (Rugby League) - Current Structure

Current Structure

The modern Challenge Cup has 7 rounds prior to the final. Teams are seeded, entering at different stages. The precise format has altered slightly from year to year, however the basic format is as follows:

• Preliminary Round: Amateur teams from around the United Kingdom will be split into two pools.

• First round: Amateur teams from around the United Kingdom. Most of the teams are English and affiliated to BARLA. In 2008 the 54 teams entering at this stage are as follows:
  • all 38 teams from the National Conference League
  • the winners of the five major regional BARLA leagues
  • the British Army
  • the Royal Navy
  • the Royal Air Force
  • the university champions – Leeds Metropolitan University
  • the Student Rugby League champions
  • six representatives of the Rugby League Conference (including one each from Scotland and Wales)

• Second round: The twenty seven first round winners are joined by a Russian team.

• Third round: A further three French sides, and the twenty one semi-professional British clubs from the Rugby League National Leagues enter the draw with the fourteen winners from the second round.

• Fourth round: The fourteen Super League teams join the competition with the eighteen third round winners.

• Fifth round: Last 16

• Quarter Finals: Last eight

• Semi Finals: (played at neutral venues)

• Final