Sport
August 2014Carnegie Challenge Cup Final
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140407190234im_/http://www.debretts.com/sites/default/files/Carnegie_Challenge_Cup.jpg)
This dramatic annual encounter sees Europe's best rugby players battling it out for championship status. It is one of the most prestigious fixtures in British sport, combining adrenalin-fuelled excitement with sporting pageantry.
The Challenge Cup Final is the climax of a historic knockout championship, featuring Rugby League teams from across Europe, which dates back to 1896. It encompasses amateur, semi-professional and full-time Super League professionals, though the lower ranked teams rarely make it to the later stages of the seven-round knockout competition.
Since World War II the Challenge Cup has routinely attracted crowds of over 70,000 fans. From 1987-95 the tournament was completely dominated by Wigan, who reigned supreme. The championship has been held at Wembley since 1929 - a move away from the decidedly northern heritage of rugby league.
Competing in the 2013 final will be Hull FC vs Wigan Warriors. 2012 saw Warrington Wolves defeat Leeds Rhinos 35-18.