Hull KR Draw Wolves in Challenge Cup Semi-Finals; St Helens Get Wigan Derby

The draw for the 2026 Challenge Cup semi-finals delivered a storybook outcome for the competition's defending champions.

Hull Kingston Rovers, who lifted the trophy twelve months ago by defeating Warrington Wolves in the final, have been handed a return fixture against the same opponents. The holders and Wolves will face each other once again for a place in this year's showpiece.

The draw was conducted at half-time during a quarter-final thriller between Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity. The Warriors emerged victorious in dramatic fashion, setting up their own semi-final against bitter rivals St Helens.

The St Helens versus Wigan Warriors rivalry is one of the oldest and most passionate in British sport. The two clubs have clashed countless times across more than a century of competition, and another chapter will be written when they meet in the last four.

The semi-final ties will take place on 9 and 10 May at neutral venues, which have yet to be announced. Both matchups promise to be fiercely contested given the history between the clubs involved.

Hull KR's path back to the final now runs through Warrington - the same side they overcame twelve months ago in what was a memorable final at a packed stadium. Whether they can repeat the feat remains to be seen, but the Wolves will be determined to flip the result this time around.

For St Helens, the prospect of a potential final against their oldest enemies - or a repeat of last year's final against Hull KR - adds extra spice to an already intriguing semi-final weekend.

Dates and venues for the semi-finals will be confirmed in the coming days.