Rugby League fans invited to honour fallen heroes ahead of Challenge Cup Final

Rugby League supporters are invited to the Cenotaph in central London on Friday morning to join the sport’s unique Service of Remembrance paying tribute to fallen heroes.

Representatives of the four clubs involved in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday – Huddersfield Giants, Wigan Warriors, Featherstone Rovers and Leigh Centurions – will be joined by three England captains, the England Men’s Head Coach Shaun Wane, the RFL Chair Simon Johnson and Chris Brindley, the Chair of RLWC2021.

The ceremony begins at 1055am, with The Last Post played at 11am, followed by the laying of wreaths.

Representatives of the Armed Forces Rugby League and the All-Party Parliamentary Group will also be in attendance, and a wreath will be laid on behalf of the Royal British Legion.

The Cenotaph is located on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament – the closest Tube station, Westminster, is served by the Jubilee and District/Circle Lines.

Simon Johnson said: â€œOne of the many reasons I was honoured to be appointed Chair of the RFL was the opportunity to lead this tradition.  

“It encapsulates the magnificent heritage of our game and how Rugby League is woven into the fabric of its communities and the North of England.  

‘’I find it incredibly moving that the game of Rugby League can honour its sacrifice in the heart of the nation’s capital.

“In this World Cup year, we are delighted to welcome our three England captains – Sam Tomkins, Emily Rudge and Tom Halliwell – as Chief Guests at the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, and also to Rugby League’s annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.

“It is such a pivotal year for our sport, as we celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Rugby League with three World Cups running concurrently and building to three Finals in Manchester on the weekend of November 18-19 – Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair.

“The historic 2022 Challenge Cup Final at the superb Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will provide Rugby League supporters with a first chance to celebrate our England captains, as we hope they and many others will this autumn.

“I am delighted that Sam, Emily and Tom will also join us at the Cenotaph the previous morning – which is always such a poignant occasion.”