Challenge Cup: Wigan Warriors chief slams Network Rail over train chaos

Rugby league chiefs have accused Network Rail of forgetting the North-based code as engineering works look set to cause chaos at this weekend’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

After weeks of football finals at the national stadium, rugby league will now take over the 90,000-capacity arena with 60,000 fans expected in north London.

But engineering works across the rail network mean there are no direct trains to London from Wigan on Saturday, while Wembley Stadium Station will also be closed.

“It feels as though rugby league is once again being treated as the forgotten sport, and that has to change,” Wigan Warriors chief Kris Radlinski told City AM. “Too often, it seems the first weekend considered whenever work or disruption is planned is the one involving rugby league.

“For years, supporters from across the North of England have made the annual trip to the capital at significant personal cost. Asking for the Wembley celebrations following the football finals to be extended by another week or two is far from an unreasonable request.”

Network Rail chaos

Wigan Warriors will take on Hull KR in the final, having each won one of the two previous showpiece matches at Wembley Stadium. And the match comes in the middle of negotiations between the English Super League and the Australian NRL about an investment being made by the southern hemisphere competition into its northern sibling.

Added Radlinski: “The positive impact our game has on communities is undeniable, and it is long overdue that the loyalty, patience and financial commitment shown by our supporters are properly recognised and rewarded. 

Gary Walsh, West Coast South route director for Network Rail, said: “Over the last weekend of May we will be completing vital upgrades to drainage on the West Coast Main Line, which will help trains to continue running smoothly and with reduced disruption in future. 

“We appreciate there is never a good time to disrupt the railway, and we would like to thank passengers for their patience while this work takes place.”