The Rugby Football League today announced a new three-year sponsorship of the Challenge Cup by leading energy supplier, TXU Energi.

The deal is worth £3.7 million and the competition will be officially known as the ‘TXU Energi Challenge Cup’.

Richard Lewis, the Rugby Football League’s Executive Chairman, said: ‘The Challenge Cup is one of British sport’s most identifiable competitions and we are delighted to have attracted a company of TXU Energi’s reputation to be its sponsor.

‘This three-year agreement will ensure that the Challenge Cup will remain at the forefront of the annual British sporting calendar and, at the same time, help continue the development of Rugby League on a national and international basis.

‘It is essential to Rugby League that this historic competition retains its relevance in the 21st Century and our agreement with TXU Energi will ensure that the tournament will maintain its vitality and compulsion for both our spectators and players.

‘I think that it is appropriate that TXU Energi’s first year in partnership with the Rugby Football League will see the Challenge Cup Final undertaking a ground-breaking experience at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday, April 26.

‘This will be the first time that the Challenge Cup Final has been played in Wales, a country that has always held strong connections to the sport of Rugby League throughout its 107-year history, and its appearance at the prestigious Millennium Stadium is certain to attract a considerable audience.

‘Ever since the Challenge Cup Final was taken to Wembley in 1929, the event has had a strong national profile and there is no doubt that TXU Energi’s decision to back the tournament for the next three years will be mutually beneficial to them as sponsors and the sport of Rugby League.’

For more details contact:

John Huxley
Media and Public Affairs Executive
Tel: 0113 244 1114.
Fax: 0113 244 1110.
E-mail: johnh@rfl.uk.com or andreww@rfl.uk.com