What we know about the 2021 rugby league season - all the important dates and how to watch your team in action

All three divisions - and the Betfred Challenge Cup - will start later than normal this year, because of last year's late finish and the continuing pandemic.

Here's what we know so far.

Betfred Super League

Which fixtures have been announced?

We know Super League will kick off with a round of matches played over three days at Leeds’ Emerald Headingley.

Round one fixtures are:

Friday, March 26 - St Helens v Salford Red Devils (6pm), Leigh Centurions v Wigan Warriors (8.15pm). Both games on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena and the RFL’s Our League app for season ticket holders.

Saturday, March 27 - Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos (3pm), Catalans Dragons v Hull KR (5.15pm). Both games on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena and the RFL’s Our League app for season ticket holders.

Sunday, March 28 - Hull v Huddersfield Giants (12.30pm), Castleford Tigers v Warrington Wolves (2.45pm). Both games on Sky Sports Mix and Arena and the RFL’s Our League app for season ticket holders.

Will fans be allowed into the stadium?

Round one will be played behind closed doors, with coverage on Sky Sports and the RFL's Our League site.

Super League hope to have crowds back at some stage this year, but it is not yet clear when.

Why are all games being played at one venue?

It is cheaper and safer and also ensures Sky can cover every match.

When will other fixtures be revealed?

The full list is due to be announced on Friday, February 26.

Will there be a Dacia Magic Weekend this year?

Yes, at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on September 4 and 5.

How many league rounds are there?

25, so teams play three of their rivals three times and the other eight twice.

When and where will the Grand Final be played?

The title decider is scheduled for Saturday, October 9, at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Betfred Challenge Cup:

When are this year’s Cup rounds?

Round one will be played on the weekend beginning Friday, March 19.

Ties are: London Broncos v Keighley Cougars, Whitehaven v Dewsbury Rams, Oldham v Barrow Raiders, West Wales Raiders v Widnes Vikings, Swinton Lions v Newcastle Thunder, Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs, Sheffield Eagles v York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers v Bradford Bulls.

Round two will be played the following weekend, beginning March 26.

Ties are: Swinton Lions or Newcastle Thunder v Oldham or Barrow Raiders, Featherstone Rovers or Bradford Bulls v Halifax Panthers or Batley Bulldogs, London Broncos or Keighley Cougars v Sheffield Eagles or York City Knights, West Wales Raiders or Widnes Vikings v Whitehaven or Dewsbury Rams.

Round three, when 12 Super League clubs enter the competition, is set for the weekend beginning April 9.

Quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of May 7-9.

The semi-final will be a double header on Saturday, June 5.

The final is set for Saturday, July 17, at Wembley Stadium.

Will there be an 1895 Cup this year?

Yes. The four Challenge Cup second round winners will also qualify for the semi-finals of the 1895 Cup, played on the weekend of June 4-6.

The final is at Wembley on Challenge Cup final day.

Betfred Championship.

When will fixtures be announced?

The RFL plan to release the fixture list at 4pm on Sunday, February 14.

When will the season start?

The opening round of matches is scheduled for the Easter weekend of April 2-4.

What is the format?

Each team will play nine of the other 13 teams twice and the other four once, resulting in a 22-round competition.

Will there be a Summer Bash this year?

That is yet to be agreed,, but if it goes ahead it will be an extra round, making a total of 23.

How and when will the season end?

A top-six play-offs series is planned for September and October, leading to a Grand Final.

Can I attend games?

Almost certainly not the early ties in the Challenge Cup - some of which will be covered by the BBC - or the opening rounds of the league season.

But, clubs have agreed games played behind closed doors will be streamed live on the RFL’s Our League platforms on a pay per view basis, with home season ticket holders given free access.

Betfred League One.

When will fixtures be announced?

The RFL plan to release the fixture list at 4pm on Sunday, February 14.

When will the season start?

Round one is set for May 8-9.

What is the format?

Each team to play the other nine twice in an 18-round season before a play-offs series and Grand Final.

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