THE AB Sundecks 1895 Cup looks set to keep its new format for next year, with the RFL confirming that ‘Challenge Cup Finals Day’ will take place at the start of June once again in 2025.

The 1895 Cup competitions in 2022 and 2023 had only been competed for by the non-Super League teams who had gone furthest in the Challenge Cup.

That meant last season’s final was not held until August, with Halifax edging out Batley.

But it was treated as a standalone competition in 2024, with all Betfred Championship and League 1 sides, except Cornwall, competing in winter group stages to try and make the last eight.

Bulls came closer than ever to reaching Wembley for the final, only to lose 40-14 in the last-four to Wakefield last month, who went on to win the competition by beating Sheffield in the final.

That game was held last Saturday evening immediately after Wigan’s victory over Warrington in the Challenge Cup showpiece.

“Finals Day” this year consisted of the Champion Schools cup final, the Women’s Challenge Cup final, the Challenge Cup final and the 1895 Cup final, in that order.

It is anticipated that that exact format will be repeated in 2025, with the date for next year's "Finals Day" confirmed as Saturday, June 7.