The 2014 Tetley’s Challenge Cup will see the largest geographical spread of competing teams from across Britain in the competition’s history after the RFL today confirmed the list of community clubs taking part in next season’s knockout tournament.
A total of 44 community clubs have been invited to participate in the country’s most prestigious club competition and will form the first two rounds, which will be played on February 1 and February 22 respectively.
The remaining winning teams will then face semi-professional opposition in the third round (to be played on the weekend of March 15/16) before the Super League clubs – including holders Wigan Warriors – enter the fray in the fourth (April 5/6).
Teams from the length and breadth of Britain will be in the first round draw, which is due to take place in the week commencing January 6, with 550 miles separating the competition’s most northerly and southerly sides.
The third tier of the Rugby League pyramid has the most participants, with 31 sides representing the National Conference League and the Bristol Sonics representing the Conference League South.
Scotland and Wales both have participating champion teams, as Aberdeen Warriors prepare for their tournament debut alongside Torfaen Tigers, the Welsh champions, whilst student Rugby League giants Leeds Metropolitan University and Loughborough University represent the education sector.
All three Armed Forces teams are represented – the Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy – whilst Great Britain Police also enter, hoping to build on their positive performances during this summer’s Police Rugby League World Cup.
From the game’s fourth tier, Cumbria Men’s League champions Walney Central are entered whilst, at the other end of the country, Harry Jepson Trophy Winners, South West London Chargers, are looking forward to their participation.
The North West Men’s League champions Halton Simms Cross and the North West Men’s League’s Widnes St Marie’s complete the list.
Full list of participating community clubs:
Askam
Blackbrook
East Hull
Dewsbury Celtic
East Leeds
Egremont Rangers
Elland
Hull Dockers
Hunslet Warriors
Kells
Leigh Miners Rangers
Lock Lane
Milford Marlins
Millom
Myton Warriors
Normanton Knights
Oulton Raiders
Pilkington Recs
Rochdale Mayfield
Saddleworth Rangers
Shaw Cross Sharks
Siddal
Skirlaugh
Thatto Heath Crusaders
Underbank Rangers
Wath Brow Hornets
West Hull
Wigan St Jude’s
Wigan St Patrick’s
Woolston Rovers
York Acorn
Bristol Sonics
British Army
Royal Navy
Royal Air Force
Leeds Metropolitan University
Loughborough University
Aberdeen Warriors
Great Britain Police
Torfaen Tigers
Halton Simms Cross
South West London Chargers
Walney Central
Widnes St Marie’s
Fans can buy tickets for the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final now. The 2014 showpiece event, which will be the 113th staging of the final, will return to London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 23 and fans can book their place at Wembley from as little as £22.
Tickets for the 2014 Tetley’s Challenge Cup final can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk.