Summary

  • Use play icon to watch live coverage, or the listen icon for BBC Radio Merseyside commentary

  • Seven-time champions Widnes Vikings last won trophy in 1984

  • Bradford Bulls are five-time winners of competition

  • Both teams compete in the Championship

  • One of eight ties taking place across the weekend

Live Reporting

  1. Meet the teams - everything you need to know

    BBC Sport

    Two former Super League, World Cub Challenge and Challenge Cup champions go head to head as Bradford Bulls play host to Widnes Vikings, both sides battling it out for a place in the Challenge Cup fifth round having won the competition in previous years a dozen times between them.

    Coached by former Widnes and Ireland Prop Eamon O’Carroll, five times Challenge Cup winners Bradford have strong Challenge Cup pedigree in the side, including former Leeds star Jordan Lilley. Lilley played for the Bulls against Leeds Rhinos - the side he was on loan from - in the 2019 Challenge Cup quarter final and that’s the best cup run the Bulls have enjoyed since they last won it back in 2003.

    Lee Gilmour and Tevita Vaikona of Bradford Bulls celebrating winning the 2003 Challenge Cup.Getty Images

    Bradford Bulls' last Challenge Cup win came in 2003 with a 22-20 victory over Leeds Rhinos at the Milennium Stadium in Cardiff.

    Widnes - the former cup kings of the Seventies - have won the Challenge Cup seven times in their illustrious history, with their last win coming in 1984 when Joe Lydon inspired them to a 19-6 victory over Wigan. Last year they were beaten at this stage 32-12 by Dewsbury Rams.

    Widnes Vikings players celebrate winning the 1979 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in LondonGetty Images

    Widnes have won the Challenge Cup seven times, including two wins in the 1970s (1975, 1979) and two wins in the 1980s (1981, 1984). They have not reached the final since their victory over Wigan in 1984.

  2. How can I watch the Challenge Cup on the BBC?

    All times are GMT and subject to change

    BBC iPlayer

    The Challenge Cup is back on the BBC with coverage of select fixtures available for both men's and women's Challenge Cup competitions. Two men’s quarter finals, the women and men’s semi-finals and the women’s, men’s and Wheelchair Challenge Cup Finals will be broadcast on BBC TV, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.

    The following Challenge Cup coverage is coming to the BBC over the next month...

    Sunday 25th February

    Challenge Cup Fourth Round - Bradford Bulls v Widnes Vikings (12:20 GMT - 14:15 GMT)

    - Watch coverage via Red Button, BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport website. (radio commentary from BBC Radio Merseyside also available via the BBC Sport website)

    Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th March

    Challenge Cup Fifth Round

    - One match from this round will be shown by the BBC. Details of that fixture to be announced.

    Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th March

    Challenge Cup Sixth Round

    - One match from this round will be shown by the BBC. Details of that fixture to be announced.

  3. Get Inspired: How to get into rugby league

    Get Inspired
    #GetInspired

    Rugby league is a fast and dynamic game, which involves great strength, stamina and skill, and is played through the summer, so no muddy pitches, or cold, wet training nights!

    With so many variations, you don't have to play the full version of the game to be part of it.

    Whatever your age, gender, fitness level or technical ability there is a version of rugby league that will suit you.

    New Zealand's scrum-half Aaron Smith plays rugby with children as he attends an event promoting sports for children at the Gerland Stadium in France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.Getty Images

    Rugby is a sport for people of all ages. Tag rugby is a great non-contact option for younger kids playing rugby for the first time.

    Why get into rugby league?

    It's a great sport to build up strength, stamina and fitness, as well as making friends and socialising.

    Who is it for?

    With so many versions of the game, there is something to suit everyone, regardless of your age or gender.

    Is there a cheap option?

    Grab a rugby ball and some friends and head to the park for a game of touch rugby. See below for more info.

    What if I want a proper workout?

    Join a club to commit to playing and training on a weekly basis to really build up your strength and stamina.

    Can I take it to another level?

    There will be various teams at your local club so give them a call and see when they are next holding trials.

    Am I too old?

    No, Masters Rugby League allows players above the age of 35 an opportunity to keep turning out.

    Is there a disability option?

    There is Physical Disability Rugby League for players with a physical disability. In addition, wheelchair rugby league allows disabled players of both genders to play together.

    Is there a family option?

    Touch or tag rugby league is a fun, non-contact version of the sport suitable for all ages to play together.

    For more information and videos on all the different types of rugby league activities you can get involved with, click here.