WARRINGTON Wolves now know when their defence of the Challenge Cup will start.

The Wire, who memorably won the famous trophy by beating St Helens at Wembley Stadium in August, will enter next year’s competition in the sixth round along with the other top-eight Super League sides.

This means their defence of the cup will begin on the weekend of April 4-5.

Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR, Wakefield Trinity and newly-promoted Toronto Wolfpack will enter in the fifth round on March 14-15.

The semi finals will once again be held as a double-header over the weekend of June 6-7 at a venue that is yet to be confirmed.

The final is being held a month earlier than usual this year at Wembley on Saturday, July 18.

The draw for the first round takes place on Thursday, December 5.

Challenge Cup 2020 round dates:

January 11-12: First Round

January 25-26: Second Round (22 First Round winners)

February 8-9: Third Round (11 Second Round winners, 11 Betfred League 1 clubs)

February 22-23: Fourth Round (11 Third Round winners, 13 English Betfred Championship clubs)

March 14-15: Fifth Round (12 Fourth Round winners, plus four Betfred Super League clubs – Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR, Toronto Wolfpack, Wakefield Trinity)

April 4-5: Sixth Round (8 Fifth Round winners, plus the remaining 8 Betfred Super League clubs)

May 9-10: Quarter Finals

June 6-7: Semi Finals (Double Header, details tbc)

Final: Saturday July 18, Wembley Stadium