A famous National Conference League side has withdrawn from this year’s Challenge Cup format just days before the start of the prestigious competition.

Wath Brow Hornets were due to take on Bradford-based West Bowling this weekend in a first-round clash. However, the Cumbrian side will not fulfil the tie, with the Hornets telling the Rugby Football League over the weekend that they have concerns over player safety and cannot complete the fixture.

Further details are still to emerge, with the RFL now set to determine what comes next, whether a new club is drafted in to face West Bowling or if the Bradford-based side gets a walkover for the fixture. The latter option would ensure West Bowling get a bye into the second round, where they would face an exciting tie against Championship opponent Sheffield Eagles.

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The withdrawal is a blow for both Wath Brow and the amateur game, which will look to show its strength with its community clubs progressing far in the competition once again. Last year, the Cumbrian outfit made it all the way to the fourth round, where they met York Acorn, another NCL side, who won the fixture and faced Halifax Panthers in the last 32.

However, a return of such heights is over, with the club confirming to the RFL over the weekend that they will not fulfil their round one tie. The full round one ties can be found below.

• West Hull vs Edinburgh Eagles

• London Chargers vs Oulton Raiders

• Longhorns vs Ince Rose Bridge

• Lock Lane vs Doncaster Toll Bar

• Hammersmith Hills Hoists vs Siddal

• Waterhead Warriors vs Leigh Miners Rangers

• GB Police vs York Acorn

• Aberavon Fighting Irish vs Blackbrook

• Mirfield vs Royal Navy

• Crosfields vs Maryport

• British Army vs Royal Air Force

• Stanley Rangers vs Hunslet ARLFC

• West Bowling vs Wath Brow Hornets

• Dewsbury Moor vs Haresfinch

• Eastern Rhinos vs West Warriors

• Rochdale Mayfield vs Telford Raiders

• Thatto Heath vs Orrell St James

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