Leeds to play cup quarter-final tie at Featherstone

James Gordon

Leeds have revealed that their Challenge Cup quarter-final against Leigh will be played at the LD Nutrition Stadium, home of Championship side Featherstone.

Headingley is unavailable on the scheduled weekend of the quarter-finals – Thursday May 31 to Sunday June 3 – due to an England cricket test match against Pakistan which starts on Friday June 1.

During the re-development work at Headingley, the Rhinos have played a couple of games at Elland Road, however this is also unavailable due to hosting an international football match between England and Costa Rica on Thursday June 7.

A club statement said: “Independent security protocol means that the stadium is not allowed to be used the night before the Test begins.

“The Rhinos have a long-standing partnership with Featherstone Rovers as part of the dual registration process and play at the LD Nutrition Stadium each pre-season.

“The club were also conscious to choose a venue that will create a tremendous atmosphere and hope to attract a sell-out crowd for the Cup Quarter Final.

“Further details regarding the date and ticket prices will be confirmed in due course.”

The LD Nutrition Stadium is 18 miles from Headingley, and Leeds played there back in 2016, beating Featherstone 62-6 in The Qualifiers.

The two sides met there in a Challenge Cup fixture in 2000, with Leeds coming away 48-12 winners.

Leeds, who beat Widnes 23-20 on Friday night to book their place in the last eight, hosted Championship side Leigh at the same stage in 2014, winning a thriller 25-12 at Headingley.

They have won their last 12 meetings with Leigh, dating back to 1993.