French Returns from Injury to Boost Wigan's Challenge Cup Triumph
Bevan French, who had been sidelined since March due to a hamstring injury and was initially expected to be out until early July, made a notable return for Wigan Warriors. He scored a try 15 minutes from time after coming off the bench, contributing to Wigan's emphatic victory over Hull KR at Wembley Stadium, securing their 22nd Challenge Cup title.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
Jack Farrimond opened the scoring for Wigan with a remarkable solo try and later doubled his tally, helping establish an early lead. Hull KR's Peta Hiku responded with a try to keep his team in contention. After halftime, Wigan dominated the game, scoring 30 points. Junior Nsemba crossed the line for a try, followed by Adam Keighran, who scored two quick tries. Hiku added another try for Hull KR, bringing them into double figures, but Luke Thompson sealed the victory for Wigan with a late try.
Disciplinary Incident and Team Details
Wigan ended the match with 12 players after Sam Walters was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Bill Leyland with two minutes remaining. The match was a rematch of last season's Super League Grand Final, with Wigan claiming their first trophy since their 2025 quadruple-winning season. This win came after Hull KR had prevented them from winning last year by securing a treble.
Hull KR faced challenges during the match, notably when their key stand-off Mikey Lewis appeared to suffer a foot injury in the first half, limiting their ability to mount a comeback.
Historic Double Victory for Wigan
Wigan's success extended beyond the men's team, as their women's team also defeated rivals St Helens in the Women's Challenge Cup final earlier the same day. This achievement marks the first time since the finals were combined at Wembley in 2023 that a club has won both the men's and women's Challenge Cup trophies on the same day.
Team Lineups
Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Hodkinson; Farrimond, Smith; Walters, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Partington.
Interchanges: Havard, Ellis, Mago, French.
Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Amone, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella.
Interchanges: Leyland, Luckley, Martin, Brown.
