Jones to sing National Anthem & Abide With Me at Challenge Cup Triple Header

Lizzie Jones MBE will sing Abide with Me and the National Anthem before the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Elland Road on Saturday – the first part of a Cup Final double for Lizzie, who has already been confirmed to sing at the Betfred Challenge Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later this month.

Lizzie has formed a poignant combination with the Challenge Cup since her unforgettable Wembley debut in 2015 – months after losing her husband Danny at the tragically young age of 29 when he was playing for Keighley Cougars.

“It’s such an honour to be performing before the Women’s Final,” she says.

“I am a huge supporter of the way Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League has developed in recent years, and it will be a privilege to play my part in making it a special day for the special players of Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.”

Lizzie recently marked the seven-year anniversary of Danny’s loss, and his legacy is already guaranteed through the Danny Jones Defebrillator Fund.

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, will join Lea Done-Jackson, the daughter of Betfred founder Fred, as Chief Guests for the presentation of the teams before the match, and the presentation of trophies and medals after it.

Simon Johnson, the RFL Chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tracy Brabin and Lea Done-Jackson as our Chief Guests for what promises to be another memorable occasion for Women’s Rugby League.

“With the game live on BBC2 again this year, ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the men’s Semi Finals, it’s a wonderful way to set the stage for the return of the Betfred Women’s Super League the following weekend – and of course the Women’s World Cup this autumn, when Leeds will also stage the opening fixture as England face Brazil at Headingley.

“I hope the supporters of all five clubs involved, and the many neutrals who have bought tickets for this major Rugby League event, will take the opportunity to enjoy the skills and athleticism of all the teams in all the matches.

“With St Helens facing Wigan Warriors in the first men’s semi final, it’s a chance for their supporters to cheer their all-conquering women’s team – while Leeds Rhinos supporters also have a great tradition of backing their women’s team, and will doubtless relish the chance to do so for the first time at Elland Road – a fitting venue for a showpiece occasion.”

Tickets will be available for purchase on Saturday at Elland Road, from 10am at the Leeds United West Stand Ticket Office – also for ticket collections.

Shuttle buses will be available from Sovereign Street in the City Centre to take supporters to and from Elland Road throughout the day.

At the ground, Billy’s Bar on Elland Road outside the stadium will be open, and there will be a Fan Zone in the North-East corner of the stadium.

*If scores are level at full-time in any of the games, golden point extra time will be played in five-minute periods.

Full supporter information is available here – Supporter Info: Betfred Challenge Cup Triple-Header (rugby-league.com)