Rugby League Heavyweights Collide in Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semis
This weekend, four of the top women’s rugby league teams – Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, and York Valkyrie – are just 80 minutes away from securing a spot in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on June 8.
St Helens vs. York Valkyrie
St Helens, the reigning champions, will face off against York Valkyrie on Saturday (11:15 am kickoff) at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster. Last year, Saints made history by becoming the first women’s team to lift the prestigious trophy at the national stadium, and they’ll be aiming for their fourth successive title. The two sides met at this stage in 2022, with St Helens edging out York 17-16 thanks to a late Faye Gaskin drop goal.
Leeds Rhinos vs. Wigan Warriors
On Sunday, Leeds Rhinos will take on Wigan Warriors at the Totally Wicked Stadium (12:30 pm kickoff) in a rematch of last year’s semi-final, which the Rhinos won 16-4. Leeds, two-time Challenge Cup winners, will be a formidable opponent, boasting a squad packed with England internationals like Amy Hardcastle and Caitlin Beevers, as well as new recruit Shona Hoyle. Wigan, however, will be brimming with confidence after thrashing Huddersfield Giants 18-0 in their last Betfred Women’s Super League fixture.
“All four head coaches have won the Challenge Cup as players, and they’ll be looking to inspire their respective teams to reach the final.”
Fans can expect an action-packed weekend of rugby league, with both semi-final matches set to be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.
The 2023 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final will be part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on June 8, alongside the Betfred Men’s Challenge Cup Final and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Tickets are available online, with adult tickets starting at £20 and under-16s tickets at £10.
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