The 2003 final was a stunning success

Following the success of the 2003 event in Cardiff, the Rugby Football League and the Millennium Stadium Company have agreed on a 15 May date for next year.

The kick-off time has yet to be confirmed.

"We waited to see how playing the final in Cardiff was received by the rugby league public before confirming the placing of the 2004 final," said RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis.

We hope the Millennium Stadium will be a real home-from-home for rugby league fans WRU group chief executive David Moffett

"Everybody connected with the game was delighted by the way in which the 2003 final was staged by the stadium and the welcome afforded to our fans by the Welsh people.

"We are due to return to Wembley in 2006 but we have built into this new agreement the option of playing at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 and 2006 should Wembley's rebuilding run into any unforeseen delays."

A successful new surface for the stadium's problem playing pitch has meant that the event can be staged later in the year.

"The fact that this year's newly laid pitch proved very successful means that the Challenge Cup final can be played a week before the FA Cup final," said Lewis.

Tug of war over Cardiff stadia

The decision will be a boost to the cash-strapped Welsh Rugby Union, who own the Millennium Stadium and have been seeking more events for the showpiece venue.

"We're delighted such a prestigious event will be returning next year," said WRU group chief executive David Moffett.

"With an option to return for two more years, we hope the Millennium Stadium will be a real home-from-home for rugby league fans while they await a return to a rebuilt Wembley."