The highly-anticipated Challenge Cup Finals Day is scheduled to return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Tickets for the event have already been made available for purchase, continuing the steady increase in attendance witnessed over the past four years. This positive development comes after a challenging period marked by the Covid pandemic, with the most recent finals day attracting a gate of 64,845, the highest attendance since 2017.
Rhodri Jones, the managing director of RL Commercial, expressed his gratitude following a heartfelt week of commemoration, particularly in light of the recent passing of Rob Burrow. Rugby League enthusiasts rallied to honour his memory in a moving manner on the Finals Day at Wembley Stadium, with touching tributes and applause underscoring the deep admiration for Rob and his family.
The day was filled with unforgettable moments, from the heartfelt tributes laid at the Rugby League statue by supporters of various clubs to the powerful display of unity during the minute’s silence prior to the Challenge Cup Final. Despite the bittersweet atmosphere, there were also uplifting highlights such as the spirited applause during the inspiresport Champion Schools Final and the triumphant victory of St Peter’s Catholic High School.
The presence of Welsh representation added an extra layer of significance to the occasion, as Billy Boston MBE led out the Wigan Warriors team for the Betfred Challenge Cup Final ahead of his 90th birthday. Notably, the St Helens team secured a remarkable fourth consecutive Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup, while Leeds Rhinos displayed unwavering determination and strength during a challenging time for their club.
Furthermore, Wigan Warriors made history by clinching their 21st Challenge Cup win, a fitting tribute to the centenary of their first victory in 1924. Their remarkable achievement of holding all four major trophies available garnered well-deserved praise.
The day also saw an outpouring of support for Wakefield Trinity in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final, setting a new record since the competition was introduced in 2019. This exemplifies the intent behind the decision to provide clubs outside the Super League with a second chance to participate in the prestigious event at Wembley.
The steady increase in attendances since 2021 has culminated in the best crowd turnout in seven years, a testament to the enduring popularity of the sport. This positive trend is attributed in part to the decision to revert to an earlier summer final. As a result, it has been confirmed that Challenge Cup Finals Day will return to Wembley Stadium on the first Saturday in June in 2025.
This exciting announcement is a significant milestone for Rugby League fans and marks a triumph over the challenges of the past. The 2025 Challenge Cup Finals Day promises to be an electrifying event filled with passion, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments.
(League Express newspaper, Issue 3,434, June 10, 2024)