Jenna Foubister, 19, has the chance to win the prestigious trophy for the second time against St Helens on Saturday 30 May.
Wigan Warriors stand-off Jenna Foubister will again live out her childhood dreams as she prepares for her second Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
Foubister, 19, hails from Wigan and has the chance to win the prestigious trophy for the second time against St Helens on Saturday 30 May. The England international academy graduate, raised supporting the Warriors, featured in last year’s convincing 42-6 win over Saints under the famous arch and has her sights set on a repeat.
Foubister said: “I remember being a season ticket holder and always going to watch Wigan when I was younger. The DW was always jampacked and I loved it. I used to sit there and think ‘how do you play with this much pressure?’ Even now, the support of the fans surprises me and seeing the stands filled out is still awesome.
“As a born-and-bred Wiganer, I’ve always looked at Saints as a tough game and as our rivals. I know both teams will come out firing because of the rivalry and memories of the Women’s Super League Grand Final.”
The youngster burst on to the scene in 2024 and made her England debut the following year, marking the occasion with a try against Wales. She was nominated for last year’s Betfred Women’s Super League Young Player of the Year award and hailed a supportive dressing room and Warriors Women coach Dennis Betts for helping her come out of her shell.
She said: “I wasn’t so confident two years ago but when you’ve got teammates that believe in you and have the same self-belief, it gives you a lot confidence and unlocks more trust on the pitch. What means the world to me is knowing that if I make a mistake, they’re not going to come for me.
“And Dennis [Betts] is an absolute gem. He’s a second dad to me. I have the confidence to him anything and he’s brought us all together as a team. I actually love him!”
The Warriors enter the final as the leading side in the women’s game, having claimed a triumphant treble last season with Challenge Cup, Women’s Super League Leaders Shield and Women’s Super League titles.
They booked their place in the latest Challenge Cup showpiece courtesy of a dominant 52-0 win over York Valkyrie on Saturday, with Foubister among the try-scorers, the latest sign that performing with the spotlight on isn’t intimidating the defending champions.
Foubister said: “Pressure is a privilege and you have got to earn that pressure. Playing in the capital, in the biggest stadium of my career, will be an awesome experience.
“We love playing in finals and being forced to perform under pressure – that’s the ability and confidence that we have built over the last few years. It feels amazing to make it all the way to London. We’ve got the one up now and they (St Helens) will come to London wanting to shut us down. We have got to make sure we know what’s coming.”
The Betfred Challenge Cup Final will return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Wembley Stadium remains a special occasion for Rugby League and always produces unforgettable moments – be there to experience the History, Drama and Glory! Tickets are on sale HERE!