20 Jul 2007 - Challenge Cup on the move

 

Rugby league's famous Challenge Cup is set to leave the United Kingdom for the first time in its 110-year history next week when it is taken on a promotional tour of France ahead of Catalans Dragons' appearance in the semi-finals.

The Perpignan-based Dragons take on Wigan at Warrington on Sunday week hoping to become the first French team to reach the final at Wembley on August 25.

Craig Spence, Rugby Football League communications manager, said: "Carnegie Challenge Cup fever is certainly gripping Perpignan and France ahead of the semi-finals.

"The trophy is worth a fair amount of money so our insurers have stated that it needs to travel with an RFL employee at all times.

"As a result we've had to book it a nice window seat on the flight to and from Manchester rather than putting it into the hold."

French television company Canal+ will broadcast the semi-final live to the whole country