THE Challenge Cup Final will be held at Wembley Stadium this year.

The RFL have confirmed the national stadium will still host this year’s showpiece on Saturday, October 17 – three months later than scheduled following the coronavirus pandemic.

St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium will host the semi-final double header, including Warrington Wolves’ clash with Salford Red Devils.

The Wire’s game will be the second of the last-four games to be played, kicking off at 5pm after Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors at 2.30pm.

Both semi finals and the final will be broadcast live on BBC Sport and while the former will be played behind closed doors, whether or not the latter will have fans in attendance remains unclear.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer is hopeful of having some form of crowd at Wembley but acknowledges the decision is out of their hands.

Warrington Guardian:

St Helens' Totally Wicked Stadium will host the Challenge Cup semi-final double header on Saturday, October 3

“We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Coral Challenge Cup Final in our 125th anniversary year will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday October 17,” he said.

“2020 has been a tough year for all for obvious reasons, but it is also a special one for the sport of Rugby League – and we have therefore remained determined to do everything possible to ensure a day of celebration as well as reflection at Wembley.

“The fact this will be the 78th Challenge Cup Final at Wembley since the original, visionary decision to take the Final south in 1929 underlines the strength of the relationship between the National Stadium and the sport of Rugby League.

“The players of the four clubs who have reached the Semi Finals now know what is at stake. It has remained the fervent wish of the RFL that supporters of the two teams who reach the Final would be able to join them there, as well as the thousands who bought tickets for Wembley before lockdown.

“However we recognise that public health must remain the priority, and these decisions may be taken out of our hands. We have already made the decision to stage the Semi Finals behind closed doors – and the draw has produced two intriguing ties for BBC coverage on October 3.”