National League clubs, such as York City Knights, enter the Powergen Challenge Cup at the third round stage, the first two rounds being for amateur clubs plus Russian entrants.
France is also represented in the competition, with four French Elite One outfits entering in the third round. Indeed, the Knights have been drawn against one of the sides from across the Channel, namely Villeneuve.
It will be the third time in four years that York will have faced the Leopards in a Challenge Cup tie at Huntington Stadium, Villeneuve having beaten York Wasps in both 2001 and 2002. The third round of the Cup takes place on the second weekend of the new campaign.
Super League clubs enter at the fourth round stage.
The Challenge Cup is the most famous rugby knockout competition in the world. Although in the main a domestic competition, it has been opened up to leading clubs from France and Russia in recent years.
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