The England PDRL Community Lions will meet for the first time since their Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup win on Saturday (April 22), with Michelle Melling set to lead the session in her new role as Head Coach.
After a successful PDRL Festival at the Kippax Welfare Ground in Leeds with their respective clubs last weekend (April 15), players will meet at the Manchester Regional Arena on Saturday (April 22) to begin a new international programme that has been developed to incorporate a more inclusive approach to representative PDRL.
Since England’s win in the inaugural PDRL World Cup, the inclusive version of the game has seen an incredible 30% increase in participation, and this year, more players than ever before have been invited to Saturday’s session - with most starring at the recent PDRL festival in Leeds.
Leeds Rhinos have been a pioneering force in Physical Disability Rugby League, from taking part in the first PDRL match to be played in the UK against Warrington Wolves in February 2018, to featuring in half-time exhibitions during Super League’s Magic Weekend and hosting the first ever PDRL Finals Day in September 2019.
The event was a huge success with Warrington Wolves, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity all going unbeaten on the day – other teams in attendance included hosts Leeds, Salford Red Devils, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and Hull KR.
England Community Lions Head Coach, Michelle Melling, says:
“The first two PDRL Festivals of the year have been brilliant, and I am really impressed by the quality of Rugby League I have witnessed.
“Our new programme means that we will be inviting more players to train with the England Community Lions so that they can be in an aspirational environment which will hopefully help themselves develop, as well as the overall PDRL game.
“The World Cup was such a positive experience, and I am really looking forward to starting my role as Head Coach on Saturday, it should be a fantastic day.”
2023 will consist of eight PDRL Festivals in locations across the country, with each team playing two matches at every event.
