Challenge Cup semi-final venues confirmed

The RFL have confirmed the schedule and venues for this year’s Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Leeds Rhinos and St Helens are set to make history, with their tie being the first Challenge Cup semi-final to be staged on a Friday evening.

The game will take place at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington at 8pm on Friday July 31, and will be broadcast by BBC Two.

Warrington and Hull Kingston Rovers will tangle the next day at lunchtime, with their tie taking place at Headingley, Leeds, at 12.45pm.

“The Cup holders versus the Super League champions is the perfect fixture to make television history whilst Warrington v Hull KR will be an outstanding tie at Headingley on the Saturday,” said RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer.

“A first ever Friday night semi-final on TV is an exciting prospect that will allow Leeds and St Helens to showpiece this fantastic sport to a potentially massive audience on BBC Two.

“Following on from the strong attendances and excellent viewing figures on both BBC Sport and Sky Sports from the four quarter-finals, the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup is cementing its place as one of the nation’s favourite sporting events.”

Challenge Cup semi-final schedule:

Friday July 31 – Leeds Rhinos v St Helens (The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, 8.00pm, BBC Two)

Saturday August 1 – Warrington Wolves v Hull Kingston Rovers (Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds, 12.45pm, BBC One)