Why does the Rugby League Challenge Cup final start at 15.07 today?

Today’s Rugby League Challenge Cup final between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves will have a slightly unusual kick-off time.

It is set to be a scintillating clash at Wembley as the two sides meet for the first time in the 1990 final.

The rivalry dates back to 1904, with both teams tasting glory in recent years. The Warriors lifted the trophy at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022, while Wolves won it in 2019.

Both have looked formidable en route to the final, with Wigan the reigning Super League and World Champions, while the Warriors look to have fresh optimism under head coach Sam Burgess.

It’s likely to be a spectacle at Wembley, with the match kicking off at 3.07pm BST rather than the usual 3pm slot.

Why does the Challenge Cup start today at 15.07?

The match will kick off seven minutes later to pay tribute to former England player Rob Burrow, the Rugby Football League (RFL) announced on Wednesday.

Burrow, who played for Leeds between 2001 and 2017, winning eight Super League titles, died on Sunday aged 41 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.

The former scrum-half also won two Challenge Cup trophies and three World Club Challenges at Leeds, while also representing England from 2004-2013 and Great Britain from 2005-07.

A minute’s silence will be observed and Burrow’s number seven shirt will be displayed before the decider at Wembley between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, as well as the previous women’s final between Leeds and St Helens.

A minute’s applause is also expected after seven minutes of play in both finals, while fans will be able to pay their respects at the Rugby League Statue from 09:45 on Saturday morning, the RFL added.

“Once the shock and sadness of Sunday night’s news hit, we recognized the responsibility to provide a fitting celebration for a Rugby League superhero,” said Rhodri Jones, managing director of RFL Commercial.

“Challenge Cup final day has a great tradition for the Rugby League family to come together this year, for reasons no one would have chosen, we will be united in grief but also in paying a fitting tribute to a player who beyond sports.”