Mark Foster, the RFL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the place of the Coral Challenge Cup in the revised schedule for the 2020 Rugby League season, including Saturday October 17 as the new date for the Final.

“This should have been the sport’s annual weekend at Wembley. We recognised some time ago that a July final would not be possible, but it’s fantastic that we are now able to announce the return of this year’s competition - and it’s exciting to start with a Double Header live on the BBC.

“We have all seen the record audiences they have achieved for their Premier League football coverage in recent weeks, so this is a real opportunity to showcase the best of our sport.

“It is also fitting that the Double Header will take place in Huddersfield as we celebrate 125 Years of Rugby League almost to the day, and that famous meeting at The George Hotel at the end of August in 1895.

“We are grateful for the support of Coral, the BBC and the clubs in ensuring that the competition will maintain its place in the British sporting calendar. There has been a Challenge Cup Final every year since 1940, which was the only year without a Final since the five years between 1915 and 1920 because of the First World War.

“We will confirm the outstanding details, including the venue for the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup Final, as soon as possible – and we are grateful to those supporters who bought tickets for the original date in July for appreciating the unique circumstances which mean ongoing uncertainty.

“With increased optimism about the return of crowds to professional sport in the autumn we are still working through all venue options for all remaining rounds, to be able to react to any changes to the Government guidance over the coming weeks and months - and should the best option be to host the Final at Wembley Stadium we do have it provisionally booked for Saturday October 17.”

Simon Clare, the PR Director of Ladbrokes Coral, added: “We are delighted that the Coral Challenge Cup will resume shortly and, despite the unique and challenging circumstances we all continue to contend with, we can look forward with optimism to an amazing finals day in October. The RFL and the BBC deserve great credit for putting this revised schedule together, and we are looking forward to some great rugby over the coming months.”

Wire to begin Challenge Cup defence in August