Wembley ticket sales put on hold - fans of Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers face 'frustrating' wait

Rovers will face York City Knights in the 1895 Cup final on Saturday, July 17, followed by Tigers’ clash with St Helens in the Betfred Challenge Cup showpiece.

The RFL have agreed with the competing clubs to delay putting tickets back on sale to supporters until there is “more clarity” regarding step four of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

A government announcement is scheduled for next Monday, June 14, regarding step four and the RFL hope then to be able to confirm Wembley’s capacity for the two games.

The following Monday, June 21, is the earliest possible date for the fourth and final stage of unlocking.

Last year’s Cup final, when Leeds Rhinos beat Salford Red Devils, was played behind closed doors at Wembley.

RFL chief commercial officer Mark Foster said: “We know there will be significant demand for Wembley tickets from each of the four clubs who won semi-finals at the weekend and that this delay will be frustrating.

“However, as with other sports preparing to stage major events in the weeks following June 21, we have agreed with the clubs that it is more sensible to wait until we have more information about how many fans will be able to attend.”

He added: “We have some breathing space with six weeks until the final, but we will continue working behind the scenes with government and Wembley, as we have been doing for some time, to maximise our capacity on July 17 and to put tickets back on sale as soon as possible.

“We have deliberately held back a good proportion of tickets, even for a limited capacity, to ensure supporters of the four clubs involved will be able to attend.”

The kick-off times at Wembley have now been confirmed, with the Challenge Cup decider beginning off at 3pm, three hours after the 1895 tie.