RFL Defend Challenge Cup Venues Selection

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has defended its selection of Challenge Cup semi-final venues after criticism from MPs and other sectors.

The London Broncos v Wigan semi-final at Leigh Sports Village came under scrutiny due to the venue being close to Wigan.

MP Greg Mulholland wrote a letter to the RFL saying it was unfair on the Broncos to play the semi-final so close to Wigan, allergy however the governing body has refuted these claims.

A statement from the RFL read: “The selection of Leigh Sports Village and John Smith’s Stadium as the venues for this weekend’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup semi-finals was made following consultation and agreement with all eight clubs involved in the quarter-finals.

“On June 26 London Broncos confirmed to the RFL that they were “fine” with the options for all UK-based semi-finals and proposed that in the event of them being drawn against Catalan Dragons, their semi-final should be staged in London.

“Given the size of London’s current fan base and their historical levels of travelling support, the view was taken that Leigh Sports Village provides the best opportunity to present a major televised sporting spectacle to attendees and TV viewers in the most positive light whilst maximising the financial return for the two competing clubs who share 100 per cent of the receipts generated.”

The statement also said that alternative venues had been considered and the final selections were based on numerous criteria, including ‘availability, size and quality of facilities, associated match costs, commercial viability and the views of broadcast partners.’