Details for the Challenge Cup third round draw have been confirmed.
Hull FC and Hull KR will learn their first Challenge Cup opponents next week, with the third round draw to be conducted from Wakefield’s DIY Kitchens Stadium (Belle Vue).
The third round is the last 32 stage of the competition, and features 13 of the 14 Super League clubs, with Toulouse Olympique not taking part.
The 13 clubs will be drawn away from home against one of the 19 second round ties featuring Championship and community clubs. Three all-lower league ties will complete the draw.
Meanwhile, the first round of rugby league’s oldest competition begins this weekend, with 17 ties featuring community clubs from across the UK taking place, including local representation from NCL Premiers West Hull.
The second round takes place on the weekend of January 24/25, with 21 Championship clubs entering the competition to create 19 ties – 17 of which will face community opposition with two all Championship ties. Therefore, Super League sides will see either/or ties drawn for the third round, with two potential opponents.
The Challenge Cup third round draw
The draw for the third round of the Challenge Cup will take place on Monday 12 January.
The third round will be played in the weekend of February 6-8, and will launch the competitive season for Super League clubs.
John Kear, who masterminded Sheffield Eagles’ and Hull FC’s cup wins in 1998 and 2005, will conduct the draw.
Challenge Cup first round draw
Saturday 10 January
- Telford Raiders vs London Chargers – 1pm
- Royal Navy vs Hammersmith Hills Hoists – 1pm
- Orrell St James vs Oldham St Annes – 1:30pm
- Stanningley vs Dewsbury Moor – 1:30pm
- Hunslet ARLFC vs York Acorn – 1:30pm
- Heworth vs RAF – 1:30pm
- Brighouse Rangers vs Lock Lane – 1:30pm
- Woodhouse Warriors vs Mirfield Spartans – 1:30pm
- Rochdale Mayfield vs Ince Rose Bridge – 1:30pm
- British Army vs Wests Warriors – 1:30pm
- Wigan St Judes vs Leigh Miners Rangers – 2:00pm
- Blackbrook vs GB Police – 2:00pm
- Thatto Heath Crusaders vs Seaton Rangers – 2:00pm
- King Cross Park vs West Hull – 2:00pm
Sunday 11 January
- Siddal vs Waterhead – 1:30pm
- Broncos (Northern Ireland) vs Aberavon Fighting Irish – 1:30pm
- Bedford Tigers vs Medway Dragons – 2:30pm
Challenge Cup second round draw
- Oldham vs Orrell St James/Oldham St Annes
- Wigan St Jude/Leigh Miners Rangers vs Barrow Raiders
- Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge vs Swinton Lions
- Blackbrook/GB Police vs Workington Town
- Thatto Heath Crusaders/Seaton Rangers vs Widnes Vikings
- Siddal/Waterhead vs Rochdale Hornets
- Stanningley/Dewsbury Moor vs Hunslet
- Dewsbury Rams vs King Cross Park/West Hull
- Batley Bulldogs vs Hunslet ARLFC/York Acorn
- Heworth/RAF vs Keighley Cougars
- Brighouse Rangers/Lock Lane vs Featherstone Rovers
- Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield Spartans vs Goole Vikings
- North Wales Crusaders vs Bedford Tigers/Medway Dragons
- London Broncos vs British Army/Wests Warriors
- Midlands Hurricanes vs Broncos (Northern Ireland)/Aberavon Fighting Irish
- Halifax Panthers vs Telford Raiders/London Chargers
- Royal Navy/Hammersmith Hills Hoist vs Salford RLFC
- Sheffield Eagles vs Whitehaven
- Doncaster vs Newcastle Thunder
Challenge Cup 2026 key dates
- First Round (Community clubs) – Jan 10-11
- Second Round (Championship clubs enter) – Jan 24-25
- Third Round (Super League clubs enter) – Feb 6-8
- Fourth Round (last 16) – March 14-15
- Quarter Finals – April 11-12
- Semi Finals – May 9/10
- Final – Saturday May 30