Image source, Shutterstock Challenge Cup holders Hull KR will visit Castleford Lock Lane or Brighouse when they begin their title defence in the third round stage of the 2026 competition. The Robins beat Warrington Wolves in last season's Wembley final to end a 45-year wait to regain the trophy - the first part of a historic treble under Willie Peters. Other than newly-promoted Toulouse Olympique - who have declined participation - 13 of the 14 Super League sides enter the competition at the third-round stage.
The third round draw of the FA Cup is upon us, when all the big names are thrown into a big hat with some right minnows. Most notable of the those lower down the pyramid are Weston-super-Mare and Macclesfield, who will be hoping to face Premier League sides. The will be played around the weekend of 10/11 January but we can safely assume Friday and Monday nights will host a fixture. The all-important ball numbers are below:
The draw for the 2025/26 edition of the Conference League will schedule the league phase as teams from across Europe bid to succeed Chelsea as champions. The Blues beat Real Betis 4-1 in the 2024/25 final to become the second Premier League club to win the competition after West Ham in 2022/2023. Olympiacos won the 2023/2024 Conference League and Roma triumphed in the inaugural edition in 2021/22.