Cardiff Demons on their hopes for another record-breaking campaign | Betfred Women's Challenge Cup

 “You've got to play the best to be the best.”  - Amberley Ruck of Cardiff Demons.

Cardiff Demons have continued to break new ground in recent years with the expansionists now a familiar name in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup. 

2024 was another record-breaking campaign for the Demons having progressed to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup for a second year running and defeating St Helens in the Women’s Nines. 

Their sights are set firmly on making it one step further in the cup this season but will face tough opposition when they face both Warrington Wolves and Saints in the group stages of the competition. 

 

 

“We’re really excited for it,” admitted Amberley Ruck of Cardiff Demons. “I think we're going into this weekend quite optimistic. We've done well in the Challenge Cup the last couple of years, and we’ve been drawn against a few different teams this year who we’re really looking forward to playing against.”

“Obviously we’ll be up against Warrington and St Helens which is going to be a big challenge for us. Saints have won the competition last couple years in a row so they're probably the favourites again but hopefully we can put a shock to the system – fingers crossed.” 

The Welsh team have also been awarded a place in the Women’s Northern Championship for 2025. 

They and London Broncos, who previously competed in the smaller Southern Championship, have both been given a place, which gives them an extended season and more game-time for their international players. 

This, alongside the test of facing Betfred Women’s Super League opposition in the cup, can only be a good thing according to 30-year-old. 

“I think ultimately, we just don’t need to put any pressure on ourselves. We know that we're probably going in a little bit as the underdog of that St Helens game. But I think it's about making sure our girls stay positive, and we stick to our processes. 

“I'm hoping we'll put in a really good game and it'll be a competitive match. But ultimately, you've got to play the best to be the best.” 

And the Wales international is also relishing putting her own mark on the English game this year. 

“You know obviously we played in the South Championship the last couple of years and had a lot of success there. We've hit the final every year but fell short the last two times unfortunately. 

“I think the Demons and the London Broncos are really looking forward to coming up this season and really competing against those different teams and putting our stamp on the North!” 

Cardiff Demons will travel to Victoria Park on Sunday (6 April, KO 2pm) to face Warrington Wolves in the group stage of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup before hosting St Helens at Cardiff University on Saturday 19 April (KO 2.30pm).

 

Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Group Stage fixtures: 

Group A

Sunday 6 April

Warrington Wolves v Cardiff Demons (KO 2pm, Victoria Park)

Saturday 12 April

St Helens v Warrington Wolves (KO 3.30pm, Totally Wicked Stadium)

Saturday 19 April

Cardiff Demons v St Helens (KO 2.30pm, Cardiff University)

 

Group B

Sunday 6 April 

Huddersfield Giants v York Valkyrie (KO 3pm, Laund Hill)

Sunday 13 April

York Valkyrie v Featherstone Rovers (KO 12pm, LNER Community Stadium)

Friday 18 April

Featherstone Rovers v Huddersfield Giants (KO 8pm, Millenium Stadium) 

 

Group C

Saturday 5 April

Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards (KO 1pm, AMT Headingley)

Saturday 12 April 

Sheffield Eagles v Leeds Rhinos (12.30pm, Olympic Park Legacy Stadium) 

Sunday 20 April 

Leigh Leopards v Sheffield Eagles (KO 1pm, Leigh Sports Village) 

 

Group D 

Sunday 6 April 

Wigan Warriors v Barrow Raiders (KO 2pm, Robin Park) 

Sunday 13 April 

London Broncos v Wigan Warriors (KO 2pm, Chiswick Rugby Club) 

Sunday 20 April 

Barrow Raiders v London Broncos (KO 12pm, Craven Park)

 

A full Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Round 1 Preview can be found here.

The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June, alongside the finals of the Men's 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Final and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final. Tickets are on sale now!