Welsh Rugby League champions Bridgend Blue Bulls drawn away to London Chargers

Welsh Rugby League champions Bridgend Blue Bulls have been drawn away to London Chargers in the first round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

It’s the second time in as many years that the Bulls have been drawn away in rugby’s oldest knockout tournament, having being beaten by Egremont Rangers in Cumbria last year.

The Chargers are used to hosting Welsh opposition after Torfaen Tigers and Valley Cougars travelled there last year in the Conference League South competition.

London won both of those games on their way to clinching that league’s title, so Bridgend’s team manager Steve Smith knows that they’re in for a tough task.

“We’re excited,” he said. “We are looking forward to travelling to and taking on the Chargers. Valley Cougars especially gave them a good game at their place last year and West Wales Raiders beat them at home, so we’re confident we can also give it a good go.

“London Chargers are an established successful side with a large pool of players, so it will be a big challenge for use.

“It will be nice to have a journey that’s under four hours and hopefully this year, the game won’t be played in  Baltic conditions.”

The draw for the first round of the 2017 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup took place this evening (Thursday, January 5) in Hull.

Conducting the draw was 2016 winning coach with Hull FC, Lee Radford who was picking the home balls. Away teams were drawn by RFL President, Air Commodore Dean Andrew.

Thirty-two clubs representing the community game, Armed Forces, police and University Rugby League were drawn against each other and will play their ties over the weekend of January 28 – 29.

Wales’ two professional sides, North Wales Crusaders and South Wales Ironmen, come into the competition in the third round.

2017 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round draw in full is as follows:

University of Hull v Rochdale Mayfield

West Bowling v Kells

Featherstone Lions v Distington

London Chargers v Bridgend Blue Bulls

Leigh Miners Rangers v Wigan St Patricks

Royal Air Force v York Acorn

Wath Brow Hornets v Haydock

Fryston Warriors v Normanton Knights

Royal Navy v Myton Warriors

Siddal v Milford Marlins

Egremont Rangers v The Army

Wests Warriors v Great Britain Police

Thatto Heath Crusaders v Skirlaugh

West Hull v Hull Dockers

Thornhill Trojans v Lock Lane

Aberdeen Warriors v Pilkington Recs

 Tickets for the 2017 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, August 26 can be purchased by calling the Rugby League Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugby-league.com/tickets