Sheffield are gearing up for the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup final

The first Betfred Challenge Cup title of 2024 is on the line this weekend, with wheelchair teams Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors set to do battle at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Saturday (June 1, KO, 1.30pm) – live on BBC Sport.

The Dragons overcame Leeds Rhinos in last year’s final with a brilliant performance that saw them score 12 tries to end Leeds’ four-year hold on the Cup.

Nicolas Clausells scored five of them and added eight goals for a personal best 36 points to win the Player of the Match award, although he was pushed close by his uncle Gilles, who was a constant threat and collected 10 points from two tries and a goal.

This time the French side will face Wigan Warriors in a rematch of the European Wheelchair Club Championship which the Catalans won 28-68.

“Although Saturday’s final will be the same two clubs in the European Wheelchair Final, it will certainly not be the same game. Wigan Warriors will be really sharp, they worked hard to earn their place in the final by beating Leeds Rhinos,” explains Catalans head coach Cyril Torres.

“They have a strong team – Declan Roberts gave us a lot of problems offensively and Jack Heggie will be back so we will have to be strong defensively. Their coach will have learned a lot about us as an opponent after our meeting in April, so I expect them to counter us on Saturday.”

After their impressive win last season, Cyril is hoping the Catalans can make it back-to-back titles on Saturday.

“We want to continue to perform on the pitch and win titles. The players train hard to be able to play in these huge matches, they want our supporters and families to be proud to have won a prestigious trophy like the Challenge Cup.”

The Warriors’ Wheelchair team claimed a 48-30 victory against Leeds to reach their first ever Wheelchair Challenge Cup final and head coach Chris Greenhalgh is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“As Wigan Warriors we are looking forward to an opportunity to once again face some of the best players in Wheelchair Rugby League. Having recently played them in the European Cup match, we are keen to face them again.” “The fact that Wigans are first. The Betfred Challenge Cup final for the wheelchair team makes it that bit more special, especially with the men’s team also playing at Wembley Stadium a week later. It clearly shows that we are doing things the right way as a club.”

He added: “Any opportunity to add silverware is precious and all of us, the team and staff, are looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

The 2024 Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final will take place at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield, on Saturday 1 June (KO, 1.30pm) and will be broadcast live on BBC Sport. Tickets, priced at just £11, are on sale now online.