THE Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup finals will take place much earlier next year.

Both will be held at Wembley again in 2024 and 2025, but the date for the former has been set for Saturday, June 8.

The 1895 Cup gives Betfred Championship sides a shot at glory, and it was Halifax, who beat Bulls along the way in the cup this year, who emerged as champions on Saturday, edging out Batley 12-10 in a thriller.

Discussing the move, Rhodri Jones, the managing director of Rugby League Commercial, said: “We are pleased to be able to confirm that Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day will be played at Wembley Stadium in each of the next two years and will be returning to an earlier position in the season in June.

“This fits with the Reimagining of Rugby League through the sport’s long-term partnership with IMG, as we work towards a restructured calendar.”

Paul Smyth, head of operations at Wembley Stadium, added: “We are delighted to host rugby league’s Challenge Cup Finals Day here at Wembley Stadium for another two years. 

“Challenge Cup Final day is always one of the great days in the calendar and we are proud to have hosted it here at Wembley since 1929. We look forward to putting on more world-class finals over the next few years.”