THE dates for the Championship Grand Final and the 1895 Cup Final have been locked in for the 2026 season.

At this weekend’s Championship season launch, RL Commercial’s Managing Director, Rhodri Jones, announced both dates with the 1895 Cup Final to be surprisingly played on 31 August – which is a Bank Holiday Monday.

“As part of the reformatted competition, the ten team play-off structure will determine the Grand Finalists with the Grand Final to be played on the weekend of 10-11 October – the week after then men’s Super League Grand Final,” Jones said.

“The 1895 Cup will begin in March with further details released in due course. The Final will be played on August Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August.”

Jones also spoke on the issue at hand with Featherstone Rovers, after the West Yorkshire club was denied entry to the Championship for 2026.

“On Friday night, Featherstone Rovers were told they would not be participating in the competition this year.

“But I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we hope they will re-emerge for the 2027 season.”