Fixtures announced as new group format for 1895 Cup is revealed
The opening fixtures of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup have been confirmed as the competition returns with a new group stage format for 2024.
The 13 England-based Championship clubs are joining eight League One teams in seven groups of three, with the top team in each group – plus the best-performing second-placed team – going forward to knockout quarterfinals.
Daryl Powell will lead fivetime Challenge Cup winners Wakefield Trinity in their debut in the competition when they start away to York Knights on Sunday, February 4 then travel to play Newcastle Thunder on Sunday, February 18.
Holders Halifax Panthers, who held off a late comeback by Batley Bulldogs to win 1210 at Wembley Stadium last August, begin their title defence with a trip to Oldham on Sunday, January 28 before travelling to Rochdale Hornets the following weekend (February 4).
Batley begin their quest to go one step further when they host Featherstone Rovers on Sunday, February 4.
They will then have a trip to Hunslet on Sunday, February 18.
Featherstone will also be keen to do well in the competition that ends with a final at Wembley and their opening group game sees them travel to face League One Hunslet on Sunday, January 28.
This year’s Betfred League One champions Dewsbury Rams open their campaign at Cougar Park against Keighley Cougars, who were relegated from the Championship in 2023.
They are at home to Bradford the following week.
Laura Beaumont, marketing director at AB Sundecks, said: “We are really looking forward to kicking off the 2024 season with the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.
"With the competition expanding it means that even more clubs can get a chance of playing at Wembley Stadium and I know from personal experience what a fabulous occasion it is.
“The tournament will be entering its fifth year this season and with competition in both the Championship and League One so tight at the end of 2023 I think we are going to be in for a really exciting road to Wembley.”
The 2024 AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final is part of a finals day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, June 8, alongside the finals of the men’s and women’s Challenge Cup.