Women's Challenge Cup: Castleford Tigers withdraw as opening fixtures announced

Castleford reached the Women's Challenge Cup final as recently as 2019, losing to Leeds

North region side Castleford Tigers have withdrawn from the Women's Challenge Cup as the opening round of fixtures have been confirmed.

Four four-team groups provide quarter-finalists, though the Tigers' exit means Sheffield, Super League champions York and Featherstone form Group One.

Sheffield host York in the opening fixture on Saturday, 16 March.

Holders St Helens play London Broncos in Group Three; in Group Four, last year's runners-up Leeds go to Leigh.

Wigan's trip to Salford is the highlight of Group Two in the opening sequence.

Castleford were finalists in the Challenge Cup as recently as 2019 when they lost to Leeds Rhinos in Bolton.

Full round of fixtures - round one of the Women's Challenge Cup

Group One

Sheffield Eagles v York Valkyrie, Olympic Legacy Park

Group Two

Cardiff Demons v Barrow Raiders, Cardiff University Sports Fields

Salford Red Devils v Wigan Warriors, Salford Stadium

Group Three

St Helens v London Broncos, Totally Wicked Stadium

Bradford Bulls v Warrington Wolves, Odsal Stadium

Group Four

Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR, Laund Hill

Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos, Twist Lane