Rugby League Titans Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves Clash in Storied Challenge Cup Final Showdown
This weekend, the historic rugby league rivals Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves will face off in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium. The two clubs have a rich history of fiercely contested matches across various competitions over the years.
In the Lancashire Cup, Wigan has emerged victorious in four finals – in 1949, 1951, 1986 and 1988 – while Warrington’s sole triumph in this cup came in 1981.
The teams have also met twice in the League Cup, formerly known as the John Player Special Trophy and Regal Trophy. In 1987, Wigan ran out 18-4 winners at Burnden Park, Bolton, after Warrington had defeated Widnes in the semi-finals. Wigan then triumphed 40-10 in the penultimate edition of the competition in 1990, which was held in Huddersfield.
The Most Significant Clashes
The most significant clashes between the two sides have come in the prestigious Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Final. In the 1990 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, Wigan’s Ellery Hanley, Shaun Edwards, and Joe Lydon inspired the Warriors to a 36-14 victory, securing their 11th title in the competition.
More recently, the rivals have faced off in three Super League Grand Finals. In 2013, Wigan overturned a 16-2 half-time deficit to win 30-16, denying Warrington their first-ever Super League title. Wigan repeated this feat in 2016, coming from behind to win 12-6 and secure their 21st league championship. The Warriors then triumphed again in the 2018 Grand Final, winning 12-4 to extend Warrington’s wait for a league title.
“The storied history between these two rugby league powerhouses promises an enthralling Challenge Cup final this weekend at the iconic Wembley Stadium.”
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