The RFL reveals why the Challenge Cup semi-final clashed with the Premier League final day

VaselineMay 21, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The RFL reveals why the Challenge Cup semi-final clashed with the Premier League final day

An excellent weekend of Challenge Cup action saw Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves book a meeting at Wembley in front of the BBC cameras.

BBC viewers were able to witness some fantastic rugby from Wigan and Warrington, with the two teams scoring 84 points between them in a display of attacking prowess.

Indeed, many fans were able to witness as, despite disappointing attendances in both Doncaster and St Helens, viewing figures were promising.

Hull KR v Wigan Warriors averaged 492,000 on BBC One, higher than events such as the World Club Challenge, which averaged 350,000 on BBC Two.

However, the following day saw a noticeable drop as Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves averaged just 260,000, almost as low as half of the previous day.

Some of this could be attributed to the fact that it was on BBC Two rather than BBC One, but as many have noticed, there was another factor at play that day.

Sunday was also the last day of the Premier League, where all 20 teams played at the same time.

These games started at 4pm which was during the break in Challenge Cup play.

It was a decision that confused many, especially given that it would have made sense for the kick-off times on Saturday (1.45pm) and Sunday (3.15pm) to be reversed, but the RFL confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that it was BBC who decided the scheduling of Challenge Cup matches.

Is the BBC doing enough for the Super League and Challenge Cup?

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess speaks to the media at St Helens

Credit: Imago Images

This scheduling decision seems like a major blow from the BBC as it certainly meant that fewer people were watching their channel at the time.

It seems somewhat obvious that there is a lack of care for rugby league despite securing a new deal to show for it this year.

Their decision not to show any Challenge Cup matches on the TV channels and only show a huge clash between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens on iPlayer in the early rounds was disappointing, as was only showing two quarter-finals and decided for BBC Three for long. from their coverage this year.

Particularly disappointing was the figure of 55,000 who watched Leigh Leopards v Salford Red Devils on BBC Three, with just a 0.5% audience share, almost 20 times less than the semi-final share on BBC One.

It’s the first time the BBC has ever shown Super League in its current form and it should have been a huge opportunity for the broadcaster to make rugby league one of their flagship sports, promoting it heavily and alongside IMG making this side of the game better than ever.

However, this was not the case. The constant relegation of our game to BBC Three is not good enough and not well marketed at all.

More games on BBC One are crucial to keep interest alive.

VaselineMay 21, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Is the BBC doing enough for the Super League and Challenge Cup?

Vaseline

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