RAF withdraw from 2026 Challenge Cup due to player availability issues

It's been confirmed that the RAF's Challenge Cup clash with Heworth has been postponed for the second time and that the Air Force will be withdrawing from the 2026 competition.

The match was originally supposed to be played on 10 January but was pushed back a week due to a frozen pitch.

However, with the tight schedules of military personnel, the RAF are unable to compete this weekend, and they will now no longer be part of this year's competition.

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Heworth will now host Keighley Cougars on the weekend of 24 and 25 January.

A statement from the RAF rugby league said: "The RAF Rugby League Association has reluctantly withdrawn from this year's Challenge Cup Round 1 fixture.

"Last week's postponement, combined with short-notice operational demands, has left us unable to field a squad that reflects the standards and traditions of the competition.

"Despite exhausting every option, several players are deployed, committed to essential operational duties, or unable to be released at short notice.

"We remain immensely proud of our Challenge Cup heritage and appreciate the understanding of the rugby league community as we navigate these operational pressures. We look forward to returning stronger in future competitions."