Inclusive Rugby League continues to thrive in 2023, with record player registrations for Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability variations.
Participation is up 30% across all three formats, all of which were a feature of the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend.
Wheelchair Rugby League
We’re now six rounds into the Betfred Wheelchair Super League season and the competition hosted its?own Magic Weekend in Newcastle on 10 June.
It was the second time this season that all six Super League teams have gathered at a single location to play a full round of matches, this time using the superb facilities at the University of Northumbria after the first Magic round at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus in April.
Several of England’s World Cup stars were in also in attendance at St James’ Park the previous weekend to meet fans and take pictures with the coveted World Cup trophy as part of the running games Magic Weekend.
And England Wheelchair Rugby League hosted a special open training session at the University of York on Sunday 18 June.
The third Wheelchair ‘Magic’ round of the season takes place at Belle Vue Arena this Saturday (24 June) from 12noon, with admission absolutely free.
Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL)
PDRL made its long-anticipated return to Super League’s Magic Weekend at St James’ Park, Newcastle, having last featured at Anfield in 2019 when?Leeds Rhinos took on Warrington Wolves.
This year it was Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors who got to enjoy the ‘magic’ experience when they took to the pitch during half time of Salford versus Hull KR. Both teams were greeted by thousands of fans and the exhibition was a true highlight of the weekend.?
There was also a full PDRL festival hosted at Kingston Park, home of Newcastle Thunder, which featured nine different teams showcasing the very best of inclusive Rugby League.
And Rochdale was the venue on 18 June for a special domestic ‘representative’ fixture, overseen by England PDRL Community Lions Head coach Michelle Mellings, where 30 PDRL players enjoyed a taste of international development.
This Saturday (24 June), the fifth PDRL festival of the year will be played alongside Wheelchair’s next ‘Magic’ round as part of a wider celebration of inclusive Rugby League at Manchester’s Belle Vue Arena from 10am.
Learning Disability Rugby League
The Learning Disability Super League took centre stage at Magic Weekend in Newcastle, with exhibition matches at St James' Park on Saturday and Sunday, and a festival at nearby Kingston Park.
There were smiled all round as players enjoyed the unforgettable experience of playing at Magic Weekend when they took to the pitch during half time of Game Two on both days – players from the Super League and beyond also took part in the Kingston Park festival.
And it wasn’t only the players who got in the action - a host of LD volunteers were also involved in the event and coverage of the inspirational format of the game even featured on Sky Sports.
