Challenge Cup returns to Wembley

The new Wembley Stadium has a capacity of 90,000

The Rugby Football League has confirmed that this year's Challenge Cup final will definitely be played at the rebuilt Wembley Stadium on 25 August.

The RFL sold 35,000 tickets for the planned match at Wembley last year, but was forced to switch the game to Twickenham because of building delays.

But the much-delayed project has finally been signed off by Brent Council after two test events.

Leeds beat London Broncos in the last final to be held at Wembley in 1999.

606: DEBATE Are you looking forward to heading back to Wembley?

Since then, the final has been played twice at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, twice at Twickenham and three times at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

But the RFL was finally able to confirm the return of the match to its spiritual home after Brent Council handed out the necessary safety certificate.

"We are delighted to confirm that this year's Carnegie Challenge Cup final will be played at Wembley Stadium," said RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis.

"The Challenge Cup is rugby league's oldest and most traditional competition, so we shared the disappointment of fans last year when we had to use an alternative venue.

"However, I'm sure the extra wait, combined with widespread coverage of just how spectacular the new stadium looks, will add to the thrill and excitement of what will be the climax of a fantastic competition."

The ground, designed by leading architect Sir Norman Foster, cost £757m and was originally meant to reopen in August 2005.